Onion Mahabank Project Launched in Maharashtra: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Mumbai : Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the launch of the Onion Mahabank project in Maharashtra. The initiative, aimed at reducing onion wastage and establishing onion banks in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur, will utilize atomic energy for preservation.

In a review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House, Chief Minister Shinde was joined by Marketing Minister Abdul Sattar, Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode, State Agricultural Value Commission Chairman Pasha Patel, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Manoj Saunik, CEO of ‘Mitra’ Pravin Pardeshi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikas Kharge, and other senior officials. Former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman and Senior Scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar participated via video link.

Chief Minister Shinde highlighted that onions, being perishable, can be preserved using nuclear energy. This project, starting in Rahuri in Ahmednagar district through the Hindustan Agro Institute, is expected to greatly benefit farmers.

The Chief Minister also instructed the establishment of disinfection and processing centers in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur, where onion production is significant. He emphasized using resources from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation for this initiative.

Plans are underway to set up onion banks at approximately ten locations along the Samriddhi Highway. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of expediting this project to aid farmers by ensuring better storage and pricing of onions. He also directed that the project be implemented with a focus on farmers’ needs, through producer companies and cooperatives, to ensure their interests are prioritized. Additionally, the development of a value chain within the Onion Bank framework was advised.

Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary of the Industry Department Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, officials from JNPT, Apeda, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.