Nashik: Solar-Powered Cold Storage Transforms Onion Farming
In traditional chawls, onions spoil due to heat, humidity, and insects, causing significant financial losses to farmers every year. To address this issue, the focus is now shifting towards solar-powered multipurpose cold storage. This advanced technology promises to store onions and other vegetables and fruits safely, extending their shelf life and improving market outcomes.
As per the decision of the State Cooperative Marketing Department, a meeting on onion storage was held at the Onion-Garlic Research Centre in Rajgurunagar. The meeting was chaired by Maharashtra State Agriculture Commission Chairman Pasha Patel, who emphasized the importance of adopting modern storage solutions to enhance the longevity of the onion crop in the state. It was stated in the meeting that this is a cost-effective solution, offering multiple benefits to farmers.
The temperature and humidity are meticulously controlled in these cold storages, which significantly increases the shelf life of agricultural produce. This allows farmers to store their goods until market prices rise, enabling them to sell at a more favorable rate. This ensures a fair price for their goods, providing economic stability and growth. Another key feature of these cold storages is their reliance on solar energy, which not only reduces traditional electricity costs but also offers an environmentally friendly option.
The meeting strongly encouraged farmers to abandon traditional storage methods and embrace this modern technology by leveraging various government schemes and subsidies. All attendees expressed their belief that the availability of such advanced facilities in rural areas will make agriculture more sustainable and profitable. The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as State Agriculture Commission Chairman Pasha Patel, former Lasalgaon Market Committee Chairman Suvarna Jagtap, farmer representative Deepak Pagar, Kala Biotech office bearers, Exporters Association (New Delhi) Vice President Vikas Singh, Central Warehousing Corporation Commander Ajay Jadu, and Pune Marketing Board Member Suhas Kale.
This initiative is expected to transform the agricultural landscape in Nashik and beyond, providing farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. By adopting solar-powered cold storage, farmers can ensure the longevity and quality of their produce, leading to better financial outcomes and a more sustainable future.
