Following the success of the pilot scheme in Sonipat, the Center plans to expand bulk onion storage facilities across the country, The Indian Express has learnt. The Sonipat facility, operated by Harshna Agro Fresh, uses a unique controlled atmosphere and advanced technology to replicate dormant field conditions for onion storage.
Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) officials said the recycling rate achieved through this method is 88%, which is better than other facilities across the country. A total of 1,900 tonnes of wild onions from Maharashtra were stored in July 2024 and offtake from the Sonipat plant started in late November.
According to DoCA officials, the weight is falling at a rate of 2% per month without any loss in quality. In a traditional ventilated warehouse or shed, weight changes can total 30 to 40 percent. Onion storage facilities are satisfactory when the temperature is maintained in the range of 25-30°C and the relative humidity is in the range of 65-70%.
The Sonipat facility operates in a controlled atmosphere with a temperature range of 23-26°C.
IS Negi, senior economic advisor at DoCA, said: “Besides having better technology, the facility is also very close to the major consumption hub of Delhi. The onions have not only maintained good quality… but surprisingly, have also gained a good shelf life.
“Developing such facilities near consumer markets will prevent time loss when demand rises, as we can send subsidized onions immediately… In traditional small restaurants, the recycling rate is less than 63%, and advanced technological solutions can help 88 to 93 percent recycling rate,” he said. Subhash Chandra Meena, Director (Price Monitoring Wing), DoCA (Essential Commodities, Regulation and Enforcement).
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