PAU Develops An Onion Storage Structure

Ludhiana, July 28, 2016: In response to the queries of Dr Bhajneek Singh, Deputy Director, Horticulture, Ludhiana; the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed an onion storage structure of about 1.25 metric tonnes capacity. It is a ventilated structure (size 1.2m X1.2m x1.5m) made up of an angle iron frame and MS 1inch square mesh. The total height of the structure is 7 feet (84 inches). In addition to natural ventilation, a provision of mechanical aeration has been provided at the base of this storage structure. The fans at the base provide air flow in the range of 0.27m/s - 1.38 m/s. For easy loading and unloading of onions, an inclined surface at the base with angle of inclination 5 degrees more than the angle of repose has been provided.
This structure has been appreciated by the onion growers. An eminent onion grower, S. Balbir Singh, son of S. Gurmail Singh, VPO Nizampur, tehsil Payal provided 10 bags of onions for the storage study. Nancy Deep Kaur, an M.Tech student, carried out this study under the guidance of Professor Mahesh Kumar. Ever since mention of this structure was made in the recently held vegetable crops workshop at PAU, a good response was received.