- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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