SAU unveils onion value-addition technologies to boost farmers' income, food security

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2026) Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has unveiled innovative onion value-addition technologies aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing food security and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers, rural women, youth and agro-based entrepreneurs.

According to the SAU spokesperson, the technologies were presented at the concluding seminar of a Sindh Higher education Commission (SHEC)-funded research project focused on transforming onion production into high-value commercial products. The concluding seminar of the research project, "Study on the Value Addition of Onion in Sindh Province of Pakistan," was organized by the Institute of Food Sciences and Technology under the Sindh Research Support Program (SRSP). The project was led by Associate Professor and Principal Investigator Dr. Tahseen Fatima Miano.

Addressing the seminar, SAU Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Engr. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal emphasized that agricultural universities must move beyond conventional research and focus on developing commercially viable technologies that convert agricultural produce and by-products into value-added products capable of generating employment and improving farmers' livelihoods.

He said value addition represents the future of agriculture, enabling farmers to earn higher returns instead of selling raw produce at low prices. Such innovations, he noted, can significantly reduce post-harvest losses while promoting cottage industries and small-scale enterprises, particularly benefiting rural women, youth and emerging entrepreneurs.

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Dr. Altaf Siyal further stressed that universities have a vital responsibility to provide technical guidance, consultancy services, and technology transfer to farmers, food processors and entrepreneurs to strengthen agro-based industries and contribute to Pakistan's agricultural economy.

Project Principal Investigator Dr. Tahseen Fatima Miano said the research was designed to develop practical and affordable technologies that could be adopted by small-scale processors, farmer groups and entrepreneurs across Sindh. She added that onion value addition would improve farm profitability while contributing to sustainable agriculture, food security and rural economic development.

During the seminar, the research team showcased a variety of value-added onion products including onion powder, dehydrated onion rings, onion flakes, onion paste and onion pickle. Researchers also demonstrated improved processing and packaging technologies developed to preserve nutritional quality, extend shelf life and minimize storage and transportation losses.

The seminar was attended by representatives of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), universities, research institutions, government departments, food industries, agricultural extension services, progressive farmers, faculty members, researchers and students.