Maharashtra Govt To Set Up Onion Banks In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Solapur And NashikÂ
Onion Prices Hit 5-Year High: Delhi, Mumbai Bear The Brunt
Maharashtra is pioneering a new approach to onion storage with the Onion Mahabank project, which will utilize nuclear energy to address the issue of onion wastage. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the immediate establishment of onion banks in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Solapur to kickstart the initiative.
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In a meeting held at Sahyadri guest house, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the project was reviewed with contributions from key officials, including Marketing Minister Abdul Sattar, Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode, and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik. Former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr. Anil Kakodkar participated via virtual conference to discuss the nuclear technology involved.
The Onion Mahabank will employ nuclear irradiation to extend the shelf life of onions, a crucial development for this highly perishable crop. This technology will be implemented starting in Rahuri, Ahmednagar district, with Hindustan Agro overseeing the initial phase. The project also includes plans to set up onion banks at ten strategic locations along the Samriddhi Highway.
Chief Minister Shinde has called for the establishment of Vikaran Processing Centers in major onion-producing regions and has instructed the utilization of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation facilities for the project. The goal is to provide farmers with a means to store onions effectively and sell them when prices are favorable, thus minimizing losses.
Additionally, Shinde emphasized the need to develop a value chain through farmer producer companies and cooperatives, ensuring that the project remains focused on the farmers’ interests. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary of Industry Dr. Harshdeep Kamble and officials from JNPT, Apeda, and Bhabha Atomic Research Center, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this innovative solution.
The Onion Mahabank project represents a significant advancement in agricultural storage technology, leveraging nuclear energy to support Maharashtra’s onion farmers and reduce crop wastage.
