IIT Kanpur's Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra has introduced an innovative solar dehydration technique to minimize post-harvest losses and boost farmers' incomes. This initiative empowers farmers to dry fruits and vegetables using solar energy, providing a sustainable solution to market price fluctuations. By preserving their produce, farmers can strategically sell it at more profitable rates when demand peaks, ensuring better income stability.
Led by Prof. Sandeep Sangal and Prof. Kallol Mondal, this initiative demonstrates how solar dehydration can enhance the value of farm produce. Recently, nearly 30 farmers, including members of the Hariya Nature Farming Producer Company in Shivrajpur and the Lavkush FPO under the Namami Gange project in Kalyanpur block, participated in hands-on training sessions to learn this cost-effective preservation technique.
A live demonstration of pre-treatment and solar drying of tomatoes showcased how this method extends the shelf life of produce while enhancing its marketability. Farmers expressed optimism about integrating this technique into their agricultural practices, foreseeing improved income stability.
To ensure standardization and quality, IIT Kanpur has collaborated with the Department of Food Processing at CSJMU University to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality protocols for solar dehydration. This partnership aims to maintain consistent quality standards for dried produce, boosting consumer trust and creating new market opportunities for farmers.
The event also featured valuable insights from noted agriculturist Satish Subhedar and Shivraj Nishad, Founder of Iswar Flowers & Herbs. They shared their expertise on organic farming and the emerging market potential for dried produce. Their guidance offered farmers practical strategies to maximize returns by exploring niche markets and adopting value-added practices.
With support from NABARD, IIT Kanpur aims to expand the reach of this solar dehydration technology to more villages, promoting widespread adoption. This initiative not only enhances farmers' resilience against market volatility but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices, paving the way for a more profitable and stable agricultural ecosystem.
