Following the success of its pilot project in Sonepat, the Center plans to expand onion storage facilities nationwide, The Indian Express has learnt. Operated by Harshana Agro Fresh, the Sonepat facility uses a unique controlled environment and advanced technology to replicate dormant field conditions for onion storage.
Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) officials said the recovery achieved through this method is 88% and better than other facilities across the country. A total of 1,900 MT of rabi onion was stocked from Maharashtra in July 2024 and its sale began at the end of November from the Sonepat facility.
According to DoCA officials, weight loss occurred at a rate of 2% per month, with no reduction in quality. In conventional ventilation storage or rice, the change in weight can be 30% to 40% of the total. Onion storage facilities are satisfactory when temperature is maintained at 25-30°C with relative humidity in the range of 65-70%.
The Sonepat facility uses a controlled environment with a temperature range of 23-26°C.
IS Negi, Senior Economic Advisor, DoCA said, “Besides having good technology, the facility is very close to a major consumption hub, Delhi. Not only have the onions been of good quality… but surprisingly, a good post-shelf life has also been achieved.
“Developing such facilities near the consumer market can prevent loss of time when demand increases, as we can immediately send subsidized onions… In conventional rice, recovery is less than 63% while advanced technology solutions help achieve 88 to 93% recovery,” he said. . Subhash Chandra Meena, Director (Price Monitoring Department), (Essential Commodities, Regulation and Enforcement) at DoCA.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package