The Centre plans to expand bulk onion storage facilities nationwide, following the success of its pilot project in Sonipat, The Indian Express has learnt. Operated by Harshna Agro Fresh, the Sonipat facility uses a unique controlled atmosphere and advanced technology to replicate dormant field conditions for onion storage.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) officials said the recovery achieved through this method was 88% and better than other facilities across the nation. A total of 1,900 MT rabi onions from Maharashtra were stored in July 2024 and its offtake began in late November from Sonipat facility.
According to DoCA officials, the weight loss was at the rate of 2% per month, with no quality deterioration. While in traditional ventilation storages or chawls, the change in weight can be 30% to 40% in total. An onion storage facility is satisfactory when temperature is maintained in 25-30°C range with a relative humidity range of 65-70%.
The Sonipat facility utilises a controlled atmosphere with a temperature range of 23-26°C.
IS Negi, Senior Economic Advisor at DoCA said, “Apart from having better tech, the facility is very close to Delhi, a major consumption centre. Not only have the onions remained of good quality…but surprisingly, a good post-shelf life has also been obtained.”
“Developing such facilities near consumer markets will prevent loss of time when demand rises, as we can dispatch the subsidised onions immediately… In traditional chawls, recovery is less than 63% while advanced tech solutions can help achieve 88 to 93% recovery,” said Subhash Chandra Meena, Director (Price Monitoring Division), (Essential Commodities, Regulation & Enforcement) at DoCA.
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