Low-Cost Sensor-Based System Could Reduce Onion Post-Harvest Losses

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

Researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University are developing an IoT-based sensor storage system to reduce post-harvest onion losses by automatically controlling environmental conditions in storage units. If successful, this technology could lower spoilage by up to 16 percent and help Bangladesh decrease its reliance on onion imports despite domestic surplus.

Researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) are developing a sensor-based storage system using Internet of Things (IoT) technology aimed at reducing post-harvest losses of onions. The project, which began in March 2025 with funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC), addresses challenges posed by inadequate storage facilities that contribute to spoilage and reliance on imports later in the year.

The BAU team is creating a bin-shaped unit capable of storing up to 500 kilograms of onions while automatically monitoring and regulating its internal environment. The system is designed to control temperature, humidity, and airflow through sensors that detect environmental changes and trigger adjustments—such as activating fans—to maintain optimal storage conditions. The estimated installation cost is approximately Tk 25,000, and the unit is expected to have a lifespan of at least ten years. Researchers anticipate that electricity costs will be minimal, particularly if solar panels are employed.

Professor Rostom Ali of BAU’s Department of Farm Power and Machinery, who leads the research, noted that the primary goal is to offer a relatively affordable, modern storage solution that preserves onion quality for longer periods. Preliminary findings indicate that the technology could potentially reduce onion storage losses by 15 to 16 percent. The team is also evaluating factors such as weight loss, rotting, sprouting, and overall quality degradation, with results so far described as promising.

If the experimental phase continues to yield positive outcomes and adequate financial and technical resources become available, researchers plan to implement a pilot program of the storage system. They estimate that a model suitable for field-level use could be developed within one to two years.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh produces about 4.264 million tonnes of onions annually, exceeding the domestic demand estimated at approximately 3.50 to 3.60 million tonnes. Despite this surplus, the country imported around 86,000 tonnes of onions during the 2025-26 fiscal year, highlighting challenges related to storage and supply management. The new IoT-enabled storage system aims to enhance post-harvest preservation and reduce the need for such imports in the future.

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