IIT Kanpur Harnesses Solar Dehydration for Farming Revolution

IIT Kanpur introduces a solar dehydration technique to help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, increase income, and stabilize market prices. Led by Professors Sandeep Sangal and Kallol Mondal, the initiative provides training to enhance produce preservation using solar power, promoting sustainable farming practices.

In a pioneering development to curb post-harvest losses and boost farmers' incomes, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has unveiled an innovative solar dehydration technique through its Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra. This breakthrough allows farmers to solar-dry their fruits and vegetables, mitigating market price volatility and enhancing profitability, according to officials.

Professors Sandeep Sangal and Kallol Mondal are leading this transformative project, which recently showcased the technique to around 30 farmers. Among them were members from the Hariya Nature Farming Producer Co., nurtured by Shramik Bharti in Shivrajpur, and the Lavkush Farmer Producer Organization formed under the Namami Gange project in Kalyanpur block. The farmers were trained in solar dehydration methods, learning to apply this cost-effective preservation technique on their farms.

During a live demonstration highlighting how solar drying extends the shelf life of crops like tomatoes, IIT Kanpur's Project Executive Officer Rita Singh emphasized the method's efficiency and eco-friendliness. With backing from NABARD, there are plans to extend the technology to more rural areas. IIT Kanpur is also partnering with CSJMU University's Department of Food Processing to develop standard procedures to ensure quality in solar-dehydrated produce. Additionally, experts such as agriculturist Shri Satish Subhedar and Shivraj Nishad, Founder of Iswar Flowers & Herbs, contributed insights on organic farming and market opportunities for dried products.

This initiative reflects IIT Kanpur's dedication to empowering farmers via technological advancements, enhancing their economic resilience and expanding market reach by integrating solar dehydration into traditional practices, officials noted. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)