Badume market is one of the oldest markets in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State. Sources in the area said the market has been in existence for more than 60 years and that for long, it was just a rural market that attracted only people from the area and neighbouring communities.
But presently, Badume market has been transformed to one of the busiest markets perhaps not only in Kano State, but in Trans-Saharan Africa.
According to Musa Dauda Saye, a trader in the market, over time the once rural market gradually transformed into a semi-urban market, attracting businessmen and women from far and near. He explained that at the initial stage the market was only occupied by dealers in agro-commodities and small ruminants, but that currently, the market deals in almost every commodity.
Sources within the market revealed that over the last few years the market has recorded tremendous development through the establishment of perishable items unit. A source said the new unit has taken over a greater percentage of the market activities. It was also gathered that due to the establishment of the perishable market, Badume is now a hub for tomato, pepper, onions among others.
This unit has also attracted foreigners to the market, thereby, boosting the general economy of the community.
It was gathered that due to the activities in the market, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) which is an implementing partner under the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, established an onion storage facility to assist the marketers in doing their business and to minise losses. Weekend Trust gathered that Badume is now synonymous with onions.
Sunday and Wednesday are Badume market days, but the perishable side of the market is open everyday. According to one of the onions merchants, Malam Ya’u Kabiru, marketers from other countries are their regular customers, adding that over four truck-loads of onions leaves Badume market for four West African countries on a daily basis.
He explained that traders in the market make fortunes from selling onions to traders from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Republic of Niger and Chad republic. He said there is no dull moment for the traders in Badume, as business is always booming.
“We have made our community popular in Africa, as a market that provides onions for a greater part of Africa. Though Badume was known for grains and other commodities, perishables, especially onions have taken over the market. It will interest you to note that this market has gained tremendous popularity over the years,” he said.
It was also revealed that the presence of the Badume market influences what farmers in the area grow annually. It was further gathered that farmers in the area have embraced irrigation, just as many have gone into onions cultivation. Indicators have shown that the people in the area are smiling to the bank courtesy of the onions business.
Similarly, another merchant, Alhaji Murtala Hamisu, claimed to be one of the pioneer businessmen that introduced perishable items into the market. He said the business is worth millions of naira. He explained that the market has become a center that provides thousands of people with their daily income.
A visit to the market revealed a very busy environment with thousands of persons buying and selling one commodity or the other. However, our correspondent observed that the busiest area is the perishable unit, where onions take centre stage.
It was also gathered that several youths and other persons of different social status are engaged in various activities in the market. Some function as loaders, agents, hawkers among others.
For instance Mas’udu Musa earns a living working as a truck-loader in the market. A father of 15 children with three wives, Mas’udu said he earns between N8, 000 to N10, 000 daily from loading truck in Badume market, adding that he and his team work daily.
Weekend Trust gathered that a big bag of onions is selling at N70, 000 while a medium-sized bag is selling at N45, 000. Sources revealed that the market usually is at its peak during the dry-season harvest period.
Similarly, at the grains section of the market, business is booming. Hamza Saidu is a grain merchant conducting business in the market. However, he lamented that prices have gone up and that business is not moving due to the general economy of the country.
According to him, a measure (mudu) of fresh groundnuts sold for N200 is now being sold at N1, 200, just as a measure (mudu) of cassava is selling at N1, 700 as against N300 sold last year.
Another interesting aspect is that Badume market provides avenue for people in the area to socialise. It was gathered that after every market day, several fun activities are organised around the area.
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