IoT System Targets Onion Storage Losses to 15–16%

Researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) are developing an Internet of Things (IoT)- and sensor-based smart storage system designed to reduce onion losses after harvest. Experimental results indicate that the technology could potentially reduce storage losses to around 15–16%, compared with about 30–32% under traditional storage conditions.

The system is being designed as a comparatively low-cost solution that can continuously monitor and control the storage environment. Temperature and relative humidity are key factors in maintaining onion quality over an extended period. The proposed technology uses sensors to detect environmental changes and an automated airflow system to respond when conditions require adjustment.

The research is being led by Prof. Dr. Md. Rostom Ali, Director of the ICT Cell and Professor in the Department of Farm Power and Machinery at BAU. His research team includes Assistant Researcher and postgraduate student Nafis Sadiq Sayem and undergraduate student Rahat Miah. The research began in March 2025 with funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and is currently at the experimental and data-analysis stage.

Responding to questions from Digibanglatech.news about the innovation, Prof. Dr. Md. Rostom Ali said the main objective is to develop a modern storage system that can monitor the onion storage environment regularly and control it according to actual requirements.

He explained that temperature and relative humidity are particularly important for maintaining onion quality during long-term storage. By detecting environmental changes quickly and taking appropriate action, the researchers aim to reduce rotting, weight loss and other post-harvest losses.

According to the researcher, sensors are being installed inside the storage environment to collect temperature and humidity data. If conditions change beyond the required range, the airflow system can be adjusted accordingly.

Airflow management is a major part of the system design. An automated mechanism has been incorporated to regulate fan operation according to storage conditions. The objective is to maintain an environment suitable for keeping onions in good condition for longer periods.

Instead of relying only on periodic manual inspection, the proposed system is intended to use sensor-generated data for continuous environmental monitoring and automated control. This could help manage excess moisture, rotting and weight loss more efficiently.

The researchers are monitoring not only how long onions can be stored but also changes in weight, rotting rates and overall quality during storage. Data collected under different storage conditions are being analyzed and compared to evaluate the system’s performance.

The researchers consider the results obtained so far promising. The experimental findings indicate that storage losses could potentially be reduced to around 15–16% using the IoT- and sensor-based system, compared with 30–32% under traditional conditions. However, the researchers emphasize that these are not yet final results and that further testing is required.

According to data from the Department of Agricultural Extension dated April 25, 2026, Bangladesh produces around 4.264 million tonnes of onions annually, while annual demand is approximately 3.5–3.6 million tonnes. Despite production exceeding estimated demand, around 86,000 tonnes of onions were imported during fiscal year 2025–26.

Prof. Dr. Rostom Ali believes limitations in storage and supply-chain infrastructure contribute to periodic market shortages despite overall production exceeding demand.

He said farmers often have to sell onions soon after harvest because of inadequate storage facilities. When supply rises sharply during the harvest season, this can force farmers to sell at lower prices.

A better storage system could allow farmers to hold their onions for longer and decide when to sell based on market conditions. This could help stabilize year-round supply while improving farmers’ financial returns.

The researcher emphasized that the objective of the technology is not to increase onion yields. Instead, it is aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving farmers’ economic benefits.

The research has not yet reached its final stage. Alongside analyzing experimental results, the team is working to improve the system’s performance. The next phase will involve testing the technology on a larger scale under real storage conditions.

If the results remain satisfactory, the researchers plan to introduce the system through pilot projects involving farmers and commercial storage facilities. Prof. Dr. Rostom Ali said that with adequate funding, modern sensors, data-monitoring infrastructure and technical support, a field-ready pilot model could be developed within the next one to two years.

He also said cooperation from government agencies, private-sector organizations and industry entrepreneurs could create opportunities for commercial expansion after successful pilot implementation.

The researchers believe that if larger-scale trials confirm the system’s effectiveness, it could provide a relatively low-cost and efficient smart storage solution for onions. By reducing storage losses, the technology could help farmers sell at more favorable times, stabilize domestic onion supplies and potentially reduce dependence on imports.
//DBTech/DRAC/SME/MIS//