Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) has constructed 61 artificially aerated onion storage technology (AOST) facilities in Kano State, with funds from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Lives and Livelihood Funds (LLF), through the Sasakawa Africa Association.
Aerated onion storage technology is a method designed to extend the shelf life of onions and reduce storage losses. The technology involves using solar-powered fans to circulate air around the onions, keeping the onion neck tissue and outer scales dry. This helps prevent moisture buildup and spoilage, significantly increasing shelf life and reducing losses.
During a visit by a mission comprising officials from the Abuja Regional Hub of the Islamic Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Daniyar Abylkhan, farmers at Gundutse, Kura Local Government Area told the team that, hitherto, using traditional storage methods, they recorded losses of up to 50 percent due to the perishable nature of onions.
One of the farmers, Bala Ibrahim, told the delegation that by extending the shelf life of onions and reducing waste by about 95 percent, the incomes of farmers have increased.
“With this technology, farmers can store onions for up to six months and have better access to markets in the southern and eastern parts of this country,” he stressed.
Daniyar Abylkhan and his team, who spent time interacting with the farmers, noted that the new technology was environmentally friendly as it is solar-powered.
Conducting the delegation around the facilities, the Project Coordinator, KSADP/SAA, Abdurrashid Hamisu Kofar Mata, explained that the technology, adopted from India, has immensely benefited onion farmers in Kano.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, KSADP, Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, stated that the intervention aims to address post-harvest losses normally encountered by farmers and to fill knowledge gaps in produce storage using advanced technology, in line with the project’s objectives.
