Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
You are here: HOME > FEATURES > Harvest Under Heat: A Storage Solution Changing the Game for Onion Farmers

FEATURES

Harvest Under Heat: A Storage Solution Changing the Game for Onion Farmers
by Jona T. Paulo (April 14, 2025)
In many onion-growing areas like Nueva Ecija, mornings often bring concern not about the weather or soil, but about the ceiling. Moisture from the roof, which forms overnight and drips onto onion sacks, has always been a big problem. These small water droplets may seem harmless, but they lead to early spoilage and big losses for farmers.

Thankfully, a new solution from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) is helping ease this worry.

The answer? High Temperature Storage (HTS), a simple and affordable way to store onions longer and better.

Making Heat Work for Farmers

In the past, heat was often seen as bad for storage. But PHilMech found a smart way to use it to the farmer’s advantage. HTS uses the natural heat trapped inside a plastic-covered structure like a greenhouse to stop moisture from building up inside. Less moisture means less spoilage.

This system keeps the inside air warm and dry, using both natural airflow and exhaust fans to circulate air. It doesn’t need expensive machines or cold storage, just smart design and sunlight.

A Practical and Powerful Design

HTS may look simple, but it can make a big difference. The structure can hold up to 1,000 kilograms or 40 bags of onions. It’s made from steel, bamboo, shade nets, and UV-protected plastic, and fits easily on small farms with its compact size: 4.5 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 2 meters high.

It works for two types of onions:

Bulb onions can be stored for 3 to 4 months just enough time to wait for better market prices.

Multiplier onions, often used as planting materials, can last up to 8 months perfect for preparing the next planting season.

Fewer Spoiled Onions, More Profit

For years, many farmers have watched their hard-earned harvest rot away after just a few weeks in storage. They’ve tried traditional ways like hanging onions in sheds or covering them with tarpaulins but moisture always finds a way in.

With HTS, the problem of roof moisture is gone. There’s no colder morning dew ruining the onions. Farmers can store their harvest with confidence, knowing it’s protected and ready for market when the time is right.

Low-Cost but High Impact

What makes HTS special is that it’s affordable. Not all farmers can afford cold storage. HTS gives them a good alternative that doesn’t need expensive equipment or electricity.
It’s built for the Philippine setting where heat is available year-round, and farming communities need low-cost, easy-to-use solutions. PHilMech made sure HTS isn’t just effective, but also simple enough for any farmer to use.

A Brighter Future for Onion Farmers

HTS is now being used in onion-growing areas like Ilocos, Nueva Ecija, and Mindoro. It’s not just keeping onions fresh, it’s helping farmers earn more, reduce losses, and prepare for the next harvest with good planting materials.

This may look like a quiet change, but it’s making a big impact. No high-tech gadgets, just a smart structure that uses heat to protect the harvest.

In today’s challenging times for agriculture, HTS reminds us that sometimes the best solutions are already around us like the warmth of the sun, ready to be used in a better way for the benefit of our farmers.
  News   Features   Success Stories   Anihan Magazine   Newsletter   News Bits

Main Office Address

CLSU Compound, Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

Email Us

od@philmech.gov.ph

Connect With Us

Republic of the Philippines

All content is in the public domain unless otherwise stated.

About GOVPH

Learn more about the Philippine government, its structure, how government works and the people behind it.

Government Links