New AI-Based Warehouses Aim to Reduce Onion Wastage and Improve Storage

Summary: The government is planning to establish AI-based warehouses to minimize onion wastage and improve storage conditions. Currently, around one-fourth of rabi onions, or onions sown during winters, rot in conventional storage facilities, resulting in an estimated annual wastage of ₹11,000 crore. By implementing AI technology, the government hopes to save about 5% of the total wastage. The plan involves installing AI-based sensors in warehouses to provide real-time data on onion storage. This data will enable farmers to monitor the dryness and percentage of rot in the stored onions, allowing them to identify and address any issues promptly. Additionally, AI-based storage facilities will help the government maintain its buffer stock of onions, which is used to stabilize retail prices during periods of high demand. The first AI-based storage facility will be established in Nashik, with plans to expand to other onion-growing regions such as Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Initially, around 100 AI-based storage facilities will be set up, with the aim of adding 500 more over the next three years. Despite the longer shelf life of rabi onions (5-7 months), the lack of adequate processing facilities and storage infrastructure leads to significant post-harvest losses. The implementation of AI technology in warehouses is expected to address these issues and provide cost-effective solutions.