Description of the project

Description of the project: India produces large quantities of fruits and vegetables, but more than 50% of this is wasted. The project aims to: 1) demonstrate the commercial viability of solar drying of fruits, vegetables and condiments, and convert them into profitable products on a micro enterprise scale; 2) equip rural poor women with solar dryers and train them on proper use. Sthree Sakthi Mahila Samajam installed solar powered air dryers in 2017 under the Socio-Economic Program of AIWC.

Background

Many different financial instruments have been used individually to promote renewable energy development in rural settings. However taken in isolation most of these are not financially viable for small landholdings of 1/10 hectare. There is a need to redefine the role of RE by its capacity to develop high-value products rather than simply act as a substitute for another energy source and to develop and support the entire commercial chain through financing.

Pepper processing looks at the main post harvest activities. These activities include sorting, threshing and drying.

Small-scale processing of spices can be economically and socially successful.

This dryer is a mud brick construction built close to the ground using low-cost materials for all its parts. Practical Action Nepal has promoted this type of dryer in remote parts of the country. The solar dryer was a popular introduction because of its effectiveness, economic viability, simplicity and hygienic practice.

Banana chips are a snack food similar to potato chips. This Brief explores what a banana chips project might look like as an income-generating activity.