The Maharashtra government has announced that it will establish onion storage banks across the state and will use nuclear technology for irradiation to enhance the freshness and shelf life of the crop. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in a statement in the state legislature, declared that the government has taken this step to ensure that onion farmers do not suffer losses due to price fluctuations and have well-equipped storage facilities. The use of controlled irradiation doses to eliminate harmful microorganisms and enhance the shelf life of onions for safe consumption is part of onion irradiation. This technique is a way to improve food security and reduce spoilage without making the food radioactive.
There is sufficient energy in irradiation to alter the structure of atoms in nuclear processes. In the case of onion irradiation, the goal is not to make the onions radioactive but to use energy to affect certain components in the onions. Irradiation can slow down natural processes of sprouting and rotting, thereby extending the freshness and shelf life of onions. Shinde stated that nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar will provide guidance to the state government in this project. Due to the unavailability of storage facilities, farmers are currently facing losses. The concept of a nuclear technology-based onion bank ensures that there is no damage to the onion crop during storage. Shinde mentioned that this project will boost onion production and also assist farmers in securing good prices for their produce. Read More.. Saguna Paddy Technology: A Smart, Natural Agriculture and Sustainable Farming System
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