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To develop a project that will increase regional onion production, the Department of Science and Technology in Central Luzon (DOST-3) has teamed up with two state colleges in the area.

The project, which will be carried out by DOST in collaboration with the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Gabaldon campus and the Center for Sustainable Mechanized Agriculture for Research and Technology (SMART) at the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) based in Camiling, Tarlac, will address concerns about unpredictable onion production, according to DOST-3 senior science research specialist Marites C. Batac on Monday.

According to Batac, the DOST has already allocated money for the creation and uptake of smart agricultural technologies that might support the growth of the onion-producing sector.

She underlined the necessity for discovering science-based solutions that would relieve both farmers and consumers of the current shortage of onions in the local markets that caused prices to skyrocket to as high as PHP600 per kilo.

According to a statement from Batac, “the two-state institutions will assess the usability and efficacy of so-called smart agriculture technology to meet the project’s goals.”

One of the technologies, according to her, is the creation and implementation of a multi-layer recirculating hydroponics indoor farming system for the production of sustainable onions. This system will be created to supply the ideal amount of water for the best productivity.

She added that a different technology would examine the viability and economics of growing onions inside or in net houses.

“This technique lessens vulnerability to extreme weather events like heavy downpours and droughts. It would ensure the best possible water utilization and lessen the impact of insect pests, which typically harm and kill plants, she said.

According to Batac, a variation of the vertical farming technique enables year-round agricultural production by shielding the crops from bad weather.

More importantly, she continued, the research would examine the advantages of integrating automation into the production cycle in order to manage crops effectively and cut labor expenses.

When there isn’t enough water for another rice crop during the dry season, onions are typically planted following rice. It is also troubled by production and post-production issues because of how perishable it is.

Additionally, it is vulnerable to pest infestations, such as the armyworm, also known as “harabas” locally, which was first discovered in 2016. Over 1,000 hectares of land were destroyed, and as a result, there was a nationwide shortage of onions, which raised prices.

A stable environment is also essential for onion cultivation.

The use of smart technologies, according to Batac, is the best method to lessen the threat that typhoons provide to farmers who must constantly contend with the possibility of having their harvest destroyed.

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