Sahibabad Mandi to Shift From Chemicals to Safe Methane-Based Fruit Ripening

In a major step towards ensuring safer and chemical-free fruits for consumers, the Sahibabad Mandi Committee in Ghaziabad has proposed a large-capacity methane-gas-based ripening chamber. Once operational, traders will no longer need to use artificial or harmful chemicals to ripen fruits.

According to officials, the proposed facility will have a capacity of 100 tonnes and will be built at an estimated cost of ₹25 lakh under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The chamber will also help reduce electricity consumption and promote safer, more natural ripening methods.

No More Chemical Ripening for Mangoes, Bananas, Papayas

Currently, fruits like mango, banana, custard apple and papaya are commonly ripened using chemicals by traders in Sahibabad. While a few large traders already have small ripening units, most rely on low-cost chemical agents.

The new chamber aims to eliminate this practice entirely, offering a scientific and healthier alternative powered by methane gas.

Initially, the mandi had planned only a 20-tonne cold storage unit, but the committee revised the proposal to include a ripening chamber as well, considering its long-term benefits for traders and consumers.

Methane to Be Generated From Mandi Waste

Officials highlighted that the mandi generates over 100 tonnes of waste daily, including nearly 50 tonnes of dry waste. Managing and disposing of this waste costs the mandi crores of rupees every year.

The new project aims to convert this dry waste into methane gas, which will then power the ripening chamber, making the system eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable.

Two-Year Delay in Cold Storage Project

Although efforts to set up a cold storage facility have been ongoing for the last two years, the plan has repeatedly faced hurdles. Authorities believe that combining it with the ripening chamber will make the project more viable and beneficial for all stakeholders.

“One of Our Priority Projects” – Mandi Secretary

Sahibabad New Fruit and Vegetable Mandi Secretary, Sunil Sharma, said:

“The ripening chamber and cold storage are among our priority projects. We have sent the proposal forward and recommended that both facilities be built under the PPP model.”

If approved, the new chamber is expected to significantly improve fruit quality, reduce wastage, cut chemical use, and boost trader profits—marking a major leap in modernizing UP’s mandi infrastructure.