EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF LOW COST ONION STORAGE STRUCTURE

Abstract

Onion produced in Kharif and Late Kharif season is not suitable for storage while onion produced in summer season can be stored upto 5-6 months and it can be brought in the during market rainy season i.e., from June to Oct. There are certain problems which arise during conventional storage of onion viz. loss in weight, sprouting and rotting of bulb. There are three types onion storage structure developed by NHRDF and domestic onion storage structure located at Kalwan.The construction cost per sq.ft. of this structure ie.Traditional onion storage structure, Dindigul onion storage structure, Improved low cost onion storage structure developed by NHRDF, and Low cost onion storage structure (Kalwan) are Rs.2.79 ,1.59,1.28 and 1.03 respectively. The quantity of onions were stored in different onion storage structure during the last week of May is about 1000kg .There are some losses such as weight losses ,rotting losses and sprouting losses were found to be in storage.This losses were found high in storage structure developed by NHRDF as compared to domestic onion storage structure (Kalwan). Thus this structure is proved to be best. The losses are very less, quality and quantity of produce is maintained. The Cost per sq.ft (Rs) and per kg storage cost against construction cost (Rs) of domestic onion storage structure is less as compare to onion storage structures in NHRDF.