Onion Packaging, Branding, Storage and Direct Selling Complete Guide for Farmers

1. Introduction: Why Onion Packaging Is Different from Other Crops

Onion is not a soft vegetable like tomato or capsicum, but it is one of the most storage-sensitive crops. Improper packaging causes:

Sweating and rotting

Premature sprouting

Fungal infection

Weight loss

Strong smell transfer

Fire hazard in poorly ventilated storage

Most farmers focus only on production, but real profit in onion comes from correct storage and packaging strategy, especially for long holding and off-season selling.

This guide explains onion packaging from a world-level commercial perspective, not the traditional mandi system.

2. Onion Packaging Philosophy

Onion packaging has three main objectives:

Maximum ventilation

Moisture escape, not moisture trapping

Structural strength for stacking and long storage

Unlike fruits, onion packaging must allow the crop to breathe continuously.

3. Onion Packaging Material System

3.1 Primary Packaging (Direct Contact Layer)

For onions, direct contact material should never trap moisture.

Best options:

Open mesh (HDPE or PP)

Natural jute mesh

Breathable net sleeves (small retail packs)

Avoid:

Plastic films

Sealed liners

Non-ventilated bags

3.2 Secondary Packaging (Main Holding Unit)

A. Mesh Bags (Most Common & Effective)

Standard sizes:

5 kg

10 kg

25 kg

50 kg

Features:

Maximum airflow

Easy visual inspection

Low condensation

Cost-effective

Used for:

Wholesale markets

Long-term storage

Transport

B. Corrugated Ventilated Boxes (Premium Retail)

Used when:

Selling to supermarkets

Direct selling

Branded onions

Specifications:

5-ply corrugated box

Large side & bottom ventilation slots

Moisture-resistant coating

Low ink coverage for breathability

Recommended weight:

3 kg

5 kg

10 kg

3.3 Branding Layer (Outer Identity System)

Even onion needs branding when sold directly or through modern retail.

Key branding elements:

Brand name

Onion type (Red / White / Yellow / Export Grade)

Net weight

Harvest month

Storage advice

QR code for farm traceability

4. Onion Grading System

Grading decides pricing and storage life.

Grade A – Premium Storage Grade

Firm bulbs

Tight outer skin

No cuts or bruises

Uniform size

Grade B – Medium Market Grade

Slight size variation

Outer skin partly loose

Grade C – Immediate Sale / Processing

Loose skin

Minor cuts

Irregular shape

Never mix grades in one bag or box — it accelerates spoilage.

5. Scientific Onion Storage System

Storage is the heart of onion profitability.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Temperature: 25–30°C (ambient ventilated)

Relative Humidity: 65–75%

Constant airflow

Cold storage is NOT recommended for most table onions unless export-specific.

Best Storage Structures

Traditional ventilated onion godown

Raised floor system

Side-open walls with net

Sloped roofing for heat escape

Storage Rules

Cure onions properly before storage

Remove damaged bulbs early

Stack bags with air gaps

Turn stock periodically

Keep storage dry at all times

6. Transport Guidelines

Onions tolerate pressure but not moisture.

Transport rules:

Covered but ventilated vehicles

No water contact

Avoid rain exposure

Avoid plastic sheet sealing

Do not transport freshly harvested (uncured) onions

7. Retail Rack Display System

Premium onion selling needs clean display.

Display Strategy

Open crates or netted bins

Shallow piles

Dry environment

Separate by size

Lighting

Neutral white lighting

No humid misting (unlike leafy vegetables)

8. Branding Strategy for Onion Farmers

Branding helps onion farmers escape price crashes.

Simple but Effective Branding

Minimal typography

Kraft brown or white packaging

Clear onion variety mention

“Stored & handled scientifically” line

Farm location printed

Why Branding Works for Onion

Helps entry into retail chains

Builds trust in long-stored onions

Positions farmer as supplier, not trader

9. Direct Selling Models for Onion

9.1 Bulk Direct Selling

Restaurants

Hostels

Cloud kitchens

Canteens

Packaging:

10–25 kg mesh bags

Grade mentioned clearly

9.2 Retail Packs (High Margin)

1 kg net pouch

2 kg mesh bag

5 kg branded ventilated box

9.3 Seasonal Storage Selling

Buy time advantage

Sell when market supply is low

Requires strict storage discipline

10. Packaging Cost Structure

Packaging TypeApprox Cost50 kg mesh bag₹20–3025 kg mesh bag₹12–185 kg net pouch₹3–65 kg ventilated box₹18–30

Correct packaging pays back through reduced losses.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is plastic bag good for onion packaging?
No. Plastic traps moisture and causes rotting.

Q2. Is cold storage recommended for onion?
Generally no, except for export varieties under controlled conditions.

Q3. Which onion packaging gives highest profit?
Branded ventilated boxes for retail and mesh bags for bulk.

Q4. Why curing is important before packaging?
Curing removes surface moisture and strengthens outer skin.

Q5. Can onion be sold directly to consumers?
Yes, with 1–5 kg net packs and clean branding.

12. Conclusion

Onion is a crop where storage and packaging decide profit more than yield. Farmers who follow scientific curing, ventilated packaging and proper grading can store onions safely and sell them during favourable market conditions. Branding transforms onion from a commodity into an organized retail product. With correct packaging and storage discipline, onion farming becomes a stable and scalable business rather than a risky seasonal gamble.

✍️Farming Writers Team
Love Farming Love Farmers

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