India to invest in irradiation facilities to boost vegetable shelf life

The recent crisis in Madhya Pradesh where farmers had to sell onions at throwaway prices or dump them at farms, due to a bumper production, has prompted the government to look at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to set up irradiation facilities in the state and elsewhere in the country to deal with the problem of plenty by increasing the shelf life of perishable horticultural produce.

Though BARC has a small facility in Lasalgaon in Nasik which caters to farmers of nearby districts, other parts of the country face storage problems during high production years. Irradiation works by disrupting the biological processes that lead to decay.

In the case of onions and potatoes, the irradiation process causes the death of microorganisms and insects and impairs their ability to sprout.

"We will ask BARC to set up such facilities in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country for onions, potatoes and other perishable horticultural produce. Bumper productions can be dealt with through better post-harvest management. We have the technology and it can be used for the benefit of farmers," agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh said.

source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Related Articles → See More

Bringing ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes to southeast Europe

Prices could moderate on leafy greens

Endive growers launch an educational kit for schools

"The market is favorable for French tomatoes in the run-up to Christmas"

Breton cauliflower in crisis

Program seeks to reduce Ghana's reliance on ag inputs

Ethiopia urged to develop Horticulture Resource Atlas to unlock sector growth

Red kale added to UK premium retail range

Tighter than normal volumes on Mexican cauliflower

"Limited supply of Spanish cucumbers drives prices to unprecedented levels"