The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has the objective of providing quality Agri-produce and products there off to the consumers at large at affordable price. One of the critical commodities is Onion whose price fluctuates significantly due to several reasons. Due to improper storage systems, annual losses amount to about Rs.11000 Cr. It is prudent to invest a decent amount in the development of technological solutions to the problems plaguing the Onion sector and dividends will be attractive. Although the traditional method of making onion husks saves money, the loss of storage is huge and these huts are not economically viable.

In that context, The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs announced a Grand Challenge for the development of ‘Technologies for Primary Processing, Storage and Valorization of Onions’.

The Onion storage grand challenge invites a proposal for developing ‘Technologies for Primary Processing, Storage and Valorization of Onions.

The proposed comprehensive solution for the mega issue should focus on the following:
Vertical 1: Improvements in the designs of storage structures
Vertical 2: Pre-harvesting stage
Vertical 3: Primary Processing
Vertical 4: Valorization: Value addition and utilization of unconsumed and excess onions

Eligibility Criteria
1) The following participants(college students, research scholars, faculties, and industry individuals) can apply. The Team Leader of the participating team must be an Indian citizen.

2) Participants will be categorized under two tracks which are as follows;
Track 1- Students (UG/PG/Diploma), Research Scholars, Faculty
Track 2- Industry individuals, Tech start-ups, MSMEs, LLPs, Professionals

3) The above-mentioned participating teams are not mandatorily required to be registered with Indian Companies/startups / MSMEs LLPs to apply for the challenge. However, the teams shortlisted at second stage (PoC to product stage) will be required to apply for registration as Indian Startups/ Company/ MSMEs/ LLPs and submit the proof of having applied at the final stage (field implementation). It will be expected that by the time of selection at the final stage, necessary registration will be completed. Exceptions will be considered at any stage of challenge.

4) The Indian Tech start-ups, MSMEs, Companies, LLPs registered in India under the company Act can apply. The entity must have 51% or more shareholding with Indian citizens or persons of Indian origin.

Total duration of the challenge would be 12 months (ideation, prototype and product stage) with maximum extension of 3 months depending upon the requirement of the project.

To know more, Click Here. (PDF-849KB)

The last date for registration and submission of ideas for all the four vertical is 15th October 2022