Kanpur: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has developed a solar dehydration technique to help farmers preserve their produce and reduce post-harvest losses. The technology, introduced by the institute’s Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, enables farmers to dry fruits and vegetables using solar energy, extending shelf life and offering an alternative to distress sales.
Training for Farmers in Sustainable Preservation
To demonstrate the technology’s practical use, IIT Kanpur conducted a training session for around 30 farmers from the Hariya Nature Farming Producer Company and Lavkush Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) under the Namami Gange project. The session, held in collaboration with Shramik Bharti, aimed to equip farmers with skills to implement solar dehydration on their farms.
Professors Sandeep Sangal and Kallol Mondal from IIT Kanpur led the demonstration, explaining how the technique allows farmers to store produce longer and sell at better prices when market demand rises.
Collaboration to Set Quality Standards
IIT Kanpur has partnered with the Department of Food Processing at CSJMU University to standardize operating procedures and quality benchmarks for solar dehydration. Experts, including agriculturist Satish Subhedar and Shivraj Nishad, Founder of Iswar Flowers & Herbs, provided insights into organic farming and market potential for dried produce.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices into Indian agriculture. By offering a cost-effective preservation method, IIT Kanpur aims to address issues like price volatility and food waste while promoting renewable energy solutions in farming.
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