By Sani Umar
Agriculture is the mainstay of Sokoto State’s economy. Majority of the citizens engage in this vocation as a means of livelihood, thus feeding their families and earning income from what they produce.
Production of food and cash crops such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, mangoes and vegetables has been practiced in Sokoto during both the rainy and dry seasons since time immemorial. The trend has endured due to the immense benefits farmers continue to derive from tilling the land.
Over the years, local initiatives were introduced to enhance production, improving yearly yields. From manual cultivation to the adoption of simple implements, the introduction of irrigation proved transformative, especially with the use of tube wells and pumping machines that made watering and crop management easier.
As yields increased, particularly due to the dual nature of cultivation in both rainy and dry seasons, a major challenge emerged, that is of poor storage of harvested produce. Without proper preservation facilities, farmers suffered colossal post-harvest losses running into billions of naira. Crops such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, vegetables and other perishables were often wasted, reducing farmers’ income and weakening the agricultural value chain.
To address this age long setback, the Sokoto State Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFi) launched a modern onion cold storage facility at Kware, designed to curb post-harvest losses and support farmers to maximize the rewards of their labour.
The introduction of this facility marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to modernize agriculture. It represents a deliberate strategy to support farmers beyond cultivation by ensuring that what is produced is preserved, protected, and profitably marketed. Cold storage will allow farmers to hold produce for longer periods, avoid distress sales, stabilize market prices, and ultimately increase earnings.
The facility is also expected to strengthen food security by reducing seasonal scarcity and ensuring consistent availability of onions and other perishables. For a state blessed with vast arable land and favourable climatic conditions, such infrastructure is essential to unlocking full agricultural potential.
The initiative aligns with ongoing government interventions, outlined in its 9 point smart agenda, aimed at easing farmers’ burdens and enhancing productivity. These include free distribution of fertilizers and agro-chemicals in recent years, subsidized inputs for the 2025 farming season, procurement of improved seeds and chemicals for smallholder farmers, and major investments in tractors, irrigation rehabilitation, and dam restoration to support year-round farming.
By establishing the cold storage centre, Sokoto State is demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing waste, improving value addition, and transforming agriculture into a more viable and sustainable economic sector. The partnership with MOFi further positions the state to attract additional investments, improve quality standards, and build stronger links to domestic and international markets.
As Governor Ahmed Aliyu affirmed, “This initiative marks a new chapter for our farmers, ensuring that the fruits of their hard work are protected, valued, and allowed to translate into real prosperity for our people.”
The new storage facility is widely regarded as a game changer, one that will empower farmers, reduce losses, and reshape agricultural practices for greater efficiency and higher returns. It is a practical response to decades of challenges, and a bold step toward a future where every harvest counts and agriculture continues to serve as a pillar of prosperity for the people of Sokoto State.
