Farmers Field Day on Onion Postharvest Management Technologies, Organized and facilitated by the BDU-IUC Food production and post-harvest technologies sub-project

Dissemination of Onion Curing Technology

The BDU-IUC Food Production and Postharvest Technologies Subproject hosted a successful field day event focused on "Onion Curing Postharvest Technology" on March 6, 2025, at Poly Campus, Jan-Moskov Library Hall.

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The participants in the field day event included farmers from four different kebeles in the Fogera District of the South Gondar Zone, recognized for their potential in onion cultivation. Additionally, the event featured development agents, wholesalers in the onion trade at both district and regional levels, district-level experts in postharvest management, practitioners from multipurpose farmers’ cooperatives, and regional agricultural officers.

Various stakeholders also attended, such as researchers and experts from organizations including the SNV postharvest team, the ATI horticulture postharvest team, Bahir Dar Plant Tissue Culture plc., and the ARARI food science department. Moreover, staff members from Bahir Dar University’s Horticulture Science and Postharvest departments, along with an MSc student specializing in onion curing post-harvest technology, participated in the event.

The objective of the field day was to promote and disseminate an affordable alternative curing system designed to adapt and scale up a solar energy-powered onion curing system suitable for use in rural field settings

Farmers Field Day Event Presenters

Prof. Enyew Adgo (BDU Research and Community Engagement Vice President and BDU-IUC project Coordinator) 

In his opening speech for the program, Professor Enyew Adgo, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement of Bahir Dar University and BDU-IUC Project Coordinator, emphasized that post-harvest loss poses a significant challenge to agricultural production in our country, particularly regarding fruits and vegetables. He highlighted that promising alternative technologies, such as onion-curing methods, could yield positive results by providing motivation and benefits for producers. These technologies play an indispensable role in ensuring sustainable output and stabilizing prices. In conclusion, he suggested exploring other opportunities, such as improved varieties with a longer shelf life.

Prof. Melkamu Alemayehu (Dean of the College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and SP4 leader) 

Professor Melkamu Alemayehu, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and SP4 leader of the BDU-IUC Project, highlighted that consultative field day events provide an opportunity for discussions and feedback with stakeholders and promote the continuous co-design and improvement of technologies. This process leads to more advanced solutions. He also intended to engage in similar discussions with other potential stakeholders from the Koga irrigation site.

Dr. Aynadis Molla (presenter on Onion post-harvest Loss in Ethiopia: Causes and extent)

Mr. Andualem Wassihun (presenter on Technology visit and briefing: Modified greenhouse dryer for onion curing extent)

Onion Solar Curing/Dryer Technology Physical Structure

About the Technology: According to Prof. Melkamu, Dr. Aynadis, and Mr. Andualem, who are technology co-designers, this innovative technology is a modified greenhouse system that can be constructed using locally available materials and at a minimal cost (not exceeding ETB 30,000). Compared to traditional methods, this new technology can cure red onions in just two days with minimal weight loss, significantly extending their shelf life. In contrast, the conventional curing practices employed by farmers typically take 10 to 15 days, resulting in greater weight loss and deterioration in color and appearance, which reduces their shelf life considerably.

After two consecutive presentations by Dr. Aynadis and Mr. Andualem about the technology, there was feedback and discussion session from field day participants. The participants asked questions about the technical aspects of the technology. The chairman, Prof. Melkamu, recommended the farmers and technical people to consult them regarding its design and applicability to get assistance with all technical components of the technology and its feasibility.

The event was concluded successfully after energetic discussions and idea exchanges, culminating in a memorable group photo. Participants captured the moment, sharing valuable technology insights that marked the end of a truly remarkable event.

Group Photo by: Field Day participants