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Government Plans Significant Increase in Onion Irradiation to Extend Shelf Life
The Union government is strategizing to elevate the irradiation of onions substantially, aiming to augment their shelf life and bolster the buffer stock. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare outlined plans to escalate irradiation from 1200 tonnes to one lakh tonnes this fiscal year, alongside a procurement target of five lakh tonnes for the buffer stock. National Consumers’ Cooperative Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) have been tasked with identifying 50 irradiation and storage centres. Operational adjustments include shifting storage locations closer to consumption centres and exploring controlled atmosphere storage near major railheads to expedite transportation. The Price Stabilisation Fund is being utilized for onion procurement to mitigate market price fluctuations. Recent adjustments in export policies, including lifting the export ban on onions with certain regulations, have also been noted. The move towards irradiation addresses challenges related to onion perishability and post-harvest losses, aligning with regulatory standards and cost considerations.