Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: BS
Context: The government plans to expand the radiation processing of onions to create a buffer stock of 100,000 tonnes this year, aiming to prevent shortages and price rises.
With output expected to drop by 16%, radiation technology will be used to increase shelf life, reducing hoarding and price volatility.
Radiation Processing:
- Uses ionizing radiations like gamma rays, accelerated electrons, and X-rays.
- Delayed ripening extends shelf life by eliminating spoilage microbes.
- Cannot eliminate microbial toxins and pathogen viruses.
- Causes minimal chemical changes.
- Least impact on nutritional value compared to other methods.
Regulation:
- Radiation Processing is mandated by the Prevention of Food Adulteration (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 1994.
- Requires packages of irradiated foods to display the green irradiation logo endorsed by Codex Alimentarius Commission and the phrase ‘Processed by Irradiation method.
About Onions:
The onion, an herb in the lily family, is globally grown for culinary and medicinal purposes. India is the world’s second-largest producer, with major states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and others. Maharashtra leads in production (42%), followed by Madhya Pradesh (15%) in 2021-22.
Key export destinations include Bangladesh, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Onion farmers lack government MSP-based support and depend solely on market forces.
