The Indian government is planning to construct AI-based warehouses to mitigate onion wastage. The decay of onions in storage, a crucial kitchen ingredient, is projected to cost around ₹1,100 million (€12 million) per year. This is due to the rotting of approximately 25% of rabi onions, cultivated during winter, in traditional storage facilities, according to officials.
Through the implementation of AI-based warehouses, the government hopes to reduce total wastage by approximately 5%. The strategy involves the installation of AI-based sensors to provide real-time data on stored onions. The pilot project is set to commence in March.
"Farmers will receive specific data such as dryness and rot percentage through IoT (internet of things). The AI-based sensors will even identify the specific onion in a batch of 100 that is beginning to rot," an official stated. This will also enable the government to manage its onion buffer stock, used to stabilize retail prices during high demand periods. Indians consume approximately 1.3 million tons of onions monthly, making it a vital household vegetable.
The consumer affairs department and NCCF have yet to respond to inquiries on the government's AI-based onion storage facility plan. The first AI-based storage facility is set to be established in Nashik, with the support of the National Cooperative Consumers Federation. It will be followed by facilities in Bheed, Latur, and other onion-growing regions, including Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
During the pilot phase, around 100 AI-based storage facilities are expected to be established in onion-growing states. This number is projected to increase by approximately 500 centers over the next three years, officials said. This is not the first attempt by the government to reduce onion wastage in warehouses. In March, it was reported that the government planned to irradiate onions with gamma rays before storage, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses to 10-12% from 25%.
Source: livemint.com