Proposal on onion storage unit lying in cold storage

The proposal on the construction of an onion storage unit at Anuvanahalli in Shivani hobli in Ajjampura taluk is lying in cold storage.

The officials of the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Horticulture Department and experts had inspected the land one year ago but are dillydallying over preparing a detailed project report (DPR) of the proposal.

The district administration had earmarked 9.36 acres of land on survey number 120 at Anuvanahalli village for the setting up of an onion storage unit.

“A team of experts had visited and inspected the land. No process has been initiated so far. Onion is one of the prime crops cultivated by farmers here. If the unit is set up, it will help us to store onion for two to three months and will benefit the farmers,” said farmer R D Sathish.

“It is a challenge for the farmers to store onion for long. The farmers are in distress following a slash in the price of onion this year. However, the officials and elected representatives are showing a negligent attitude in carrying forward the proposal on the storage unit,” he alleged.

Onion is cultivated at Tarikere, Ajjampura, Kadur and Chikkamagaluru taluks in the district. As per the available statistics with the Horticulture Department, onion is grown on 4,412 hectares in Tarikere (including Ajjampura) taluks, 978 hectares in Kadur taluk and 225 hectares in Chikkamagaluru taluk.
In 2018-19, 67,000 metric tonnes of onion has been cultivated in the district.

Speaking to DH, Horticulture Department Deputy Director Poornima said, “Ajjampura is a new taluk centre. The land has been identified for the setting up of a storage unit. However, Pahani of the land is yet to reach in the name of the Horticulture Department. It is not yet finalised as to who has to take the responsibility of constructing the unit. Measures will be taken to prepare a detailed project report on the storage unit.”

A few farmers have constructed there own shed for storing onion. There is no space for the small farmers to store onions cultivated, said the farmers.