One of the biggest problems farmers face is market price fluctuation at harvest time. When crops are ready to sell, supply often exceeds the demand, causing price to fall drastically. The only option left for the farmers is to dumped their produce. There are technologies that can increase the shelf life of vegetables, fruits, etc but are expensive. This problem can be solved by technology – solar dryers. In this article we will go deep down into it.
What is Solar Dryers?
Solar dryer is a device that utilizes the energy from sun to dry agricultural products such as vegetables, grains, and herbs. It consist of drying chamber, a solar collector (usually made of plastic or glass), and ventilation system.
Due to the limitation of natural sun drying such as exposure to direct sunlight, contamination from dirt and dust and pest problems, a solar dryer has been developed to overcome these challenges.
Here are some of the benefits of using solar dryers:
- Reduced Spoilage: Solar dryer can help to reduced the risk of spoilage during the price fluctuations.
- Energy Efficiency: Solar dryer are driven by renewable energy makin them highly energy-efficient and environment friendly.
- Improved Quality of Products: Solar drying preserves the nutritional content, flavor and color of products such as vegetables, fruits. In comparison with traditional method which faces the issues of hygiene.
- Boost Income: With solar dryers, farmers can sell their products to market places which will eventually generate income source.
Types of Solar Dryers
Direct Solar Dryers:
Transparent covering of glass and plastic allows direct sunlight to heat the products and dry it inside an enclosed chamber.
Indirect Solar Dryers:
Solar energy used which will heat the air in a collector, and then warm air is circulated through a separate drying chamber.
What are the types of produce are dried
| Varities | Produce |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Mango (slices), Pineapple, Papaya, Banana Chips, Apples, Guava |
| Vegetables | Chilies, Tomato (slices, powder), Onions, Garlic, Green Peas, Carrots |
| Leafy Greens & Herbs | Fenugreek, Mint, Coriander, Spinach, Basil, Oregano |
| Flowers & Medicinal Plants | Rose Petals, Hibiscus, Marigold, Jasmine, Aloe Vera Leaves, Neem Leaves, Tulsi |
Market For Dried Products
- Food processing industries e.g. spices, soups, sauces
- Pharmaceutical and herbal medicinal companies
- Organic products
- Online retail platforms e.g. Amazon, Flipkart
- Export for dehydrated produce
- Cosmetic industries
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Government Schemes
Government of Tamil Nadu offers susidies for adopting solar dryers, to dry the agricultural produce in hygienic manner, to value add the produce and thereby ensuring more profit to the farmers.
Funding Pattern
Union Government – 60%
State Government – 40%
Additional 20 percentage subsidy will be provided for small and marginal farmer belongs to SC/ST category.
To know more about this scheme click here.
Conclusion
Nowadays, it is important to have good management of post-harvest produce. During harvesting prices may go down and produce will be dumped out. The traditional method faces many problems such as dust & dirt and unexpected rainfall. The solar drying technology will revolutionize the farming industry with reducing spoilage, boost income source and improved efficiency.