To address the complex, labor-intensive, and time-consuming challenges of open-field onion seedling nursery, as well as the difficulty of pest and disease control, the Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station (TSIPS) has collaborated with the Hengchun Township Farmers Association to achieve the automating onion seed pelletizing process. Development of a tray seedling system improves the efficiency of conventional onion seedling nursery. The tray seedling system helps overcome labor shortages and onion cultivation area decline issues in Pingtung County.

According to the statement of TSIPS, Pingtung County is one of Taiwan primary onion-producing areas, supplying both the domestic and export markets. In 2023, the cultivation area reached 363 hectares, accounting for 28.5% of the domestic cultivation area. Since onion cultivation is labor-intensive work, making it essential adapting mechanization to overcome the challenges. TSIPS coats onion seeds with a protective layer, ensuring consistent seed size and shape. These pelleted seeds are used for automated mechanical seeding process, replacing the conventional labor-intensive seeding and transplanting system. Uniformaly pelletized onion seeds can be stored for a certain period in suitable conditions. TSIPS has assisted the Hengchun Township Farmers Association in setting up automated pelletizing equipment, which can produce over 300,000 pelletized onion seeds daily for local professional onion growers.

On the other hand, TSIPS and the Hengchun Township Farmers Association have invited onion growers to participate in a demonstration event showcasing the seed pelletizing equipment and upgraded seedling cultivation techniques. The event provides onion growers with a comprehensive understanding of mechanized production concepts and technologies, aiming to benefit the entire domestic onion industry by achieving labor-saving cultivation methods and reduced production costs.

▲Figure 1. Automated Onion Seed Pelletizing Equipment

▲Figure 2. Demonstration of Onion Seed Pelletizing Equipment and Seedling Cultivation Upgrade