Happy Farmers Tackling Food Loss with Solar Dryers
Meet Our Mavericks Fighting Food Loss with Solar Dryers
Nautiyal
Reviving Uttarakhand
In the breathtaking landscapes of Uttarakhand, where indigenous herbs and fruits flourish, a transformative agricultural initiative is taking root. Spearheaded by Raheja Solar Food Processing (RSFP) in collaboration with the Dharma Life Foundation, this project aims to empower local farmers by introducing solar dehydrators to preserve Malta-Orange fruits, extending their shelf life and opening new revenue streams.
The Solar Dehydration Initiative
Despite the region's rich natural resources, Malta-Orange farmers face challenges due to remote villages, difficult terrain and migration. Recognizing the potential in these under-utilized resources, RSFP and Dharma Life Foundation installed a solar dehydration unit in the village. This innovative technology allows farmers to dehydrate their wild fruits and herbs using solar energy, preserving their natural color and nutrition while creating marketable products.
SUCCESS STORY OF MR. B.P. NAUTIYAL
A standout success of this initiative is Mr. B.P. Nautiyal from the Sunerigarh district. Traditionally, Malta-Orange fruits in his region were neglected, but Nautiyal took the initiative to mobilize local farmers to collect fresh produce for dehydration. In just two months, he produced 15 batches, processing over 3,000 kg of Malta-Orange and earning a remarkable profit of ₹54,000.
This success story has inspired others in the community, igniting a collective ambition to expand production and dehydration efforts. Farmers are now aiming for a total production of 5 tons in the upcoming season, motivated by the newfound opportunities that solar dehydration has provided.
The initiative not only enhances the livelihoods of local farmers but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices and empowers women in the community. By facilitating broader market access and providing training in entrepreneurship, RSFP and Dharma Life Foundation are fostering a new generation of local leaders.
Urmila
High in the Himalayas, the women farmers of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, have a long history of cultivating medicinal herbs and flowers. However, traditional sun-drying methods threatened their harvests, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of nature.
High in the Himalayas, the women farmers of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, have a long history of cultivating medicinal herbs and flowers. However, traditional sun-drying methods threatened their harvests, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of nature.
These women farmers of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, came together to help each other. Growing different medicinal herbs and flowers in their farm solar dryer helped them preserve their produce and protect it from various other environmental damages.
Mrs. Urmila Chouhan, a member of the group, says,
The story of the women farmers of Tehri Garhwal serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through collaboration and the adoption of sustainable technology, they have transformed their agricultural practices, securing their livelihoods and preserving their traditional way of life. Their success story paves the way for other communities facing similar challenges to embrace innovation and empower themselves through sustainable solutions.
Gajapati
"Sweet Victory : The Tale of the Pineapple's Journey to waste and Fame."
Just imagine!! Serene beaches, gently swaying palm trees, and invigorating cocktails adorned with colorful umbrellas. What does come to your mind?? Pineapple, right!!?? Can you imagine this royal fruit in its best form not even providing the production cost to its farmer??? Isn't this shocking???
Yes, the sweetest and most organic pineapple in the Gajapati district of Odisha is being sold at just rupees 1 per Kg or is used by the farmers to make compost, leaving them in grief.
It was totally unacceptable that the farmers who were producing such delicious fruit were suffering in pain and wasting away their produce when they could get high prices for it. In the summer of 2021, determined to make our farmers independent, Raheja Solar Food Processing reached out to these farmers with an effective and efficient solution of solar dryers that dehydrate fresh fruit and increase its shelf life by as long as 1 year. The foldable and DIY model of the solar dryer facilitated transportation in the remote location where these pineapples were grown.
This transformed the destiny of the neglected pineapples in the area. Along with increasing the vibrant taste, nutrition, and beautiful color of the pineapple slices, the introduction of solar dryers came with the added advantage of market linkage of these farmers.
The success of the solar drying initiative has sparked hope and resilience among the farmers of Gajapati. No longer are they forced to throw away their produce; instead, they are empowered to take control of their livelihoods. The community is now united in their efforts to maximize the potential of their crops, ensuring that every pineapple is valued and utilized.
Sammer Goswami
"Tomato's Way for Redemption and Value- Added Transformation."
Two somewhat different sets of rocketry-related headlines have caught India's attention in recent weeks: India's second attempt at a moon landing through Chandrayaan 3 and the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes.
Funny, isn't it??? The tomato that we buy some seasons at ₹2-5/Kg; some seasons the rates are ₹180/Kg.
These fluctuations in tomato prices are super frustrating for the farmers as the cost price for the production of tomatoes won't fluctuate, right?? A farmer, Mr. Sammer Goswami, from Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, told us that he was worried about his tomato crop in the lockdown as it was getting wasted due to the very low market price. Just like any other farmer, Mr. Sammer was sad that his produce would go to waste. But then he got to know about Raheja Solar Food Processing and contacted them, who helped Mr. Sameer to preserve his tomatoes through solar dryers.
During the entire process, the RSFP team hand-held the farmer, including installation, training, procurement, and market support.
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The success of this initiative highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the potential of solar technology to revolutionize farming in India. With RSFP's support, farmers are not just surviving; they are thriving, transforming their crops into valuable products that meet market demands.
Laxmi
Journey of throwing crops to making money from them- A UP case study
We all love Sarson ke khet, eating sugarcane in the fields while lying on the bamboo stand and the tangy flavor of raw mango with chilli and salt. But as it is said, the grass is greener on the other side. Being on the urban side, we are totally unaware of the struggles farmers make to build all these things that we love to enjoy. Here, I want to share the story of Mrs. Laxmi Rajpoot, a mother of two children and a traditional daughter–in–law of a joint family in the Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Laxmi's husband is an old school farmer growing rice, wheat and pulses on his farm, along with tomato, chilly, onion and potato as intermediate crops. They have a landholding of 5-6 acres, which is the major source of their income. In the past, Laxmi and her husband buried their tomato crop in their field itself instead of selling it to the market because the prices were as low as ₹3-5/Kg is much lower than the production cost of tomatoes. They preferred to make compost of their tomatoes instead of selling them.
It was a still heartbreaking situation as they grew the fruit with love and care and now it has to be buried in the soil. In these times, they got to know about Raheja Solar dryers that could dehydrate their produce when the market is low and then they can sell the dehydrated product at an added price that is just double the fresh product. Laxmi and her husband were initially worried about the cost, maintenance, cost-effectiveness and market of the dried products.
They conducted a pilot experiment for the same and found out that Raheja Solar dryers facilitate effective and fast drying, zero maintenance, and a return on investment within a year. The quality of the output product is also high. They have earned a profit of Rs. 25000 INR over their fresh produce.
Other than these, they have also dried chili and other products like bari and papad for their household use. They are delighted with the use of Raheja Solar dryers and recommend it to all their farmer friends. They are looking forward to supplying around 1 ton of solar-dried onion in the coming months.
Ex-soldier
A way forward for sustainable agriculture-story of Ex-soldier in Himachal
Mountains, with their beauty, are a hub of precious herbs and spices. One of the brave and proud retired Indian soldiers is working along with the farmers of his locality to supply the integral part of Indian cuisine from these mountains, i.e. Turmeric. Yes!! You heard it right. Major Vijendra Rana, from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh after giving his services to the country did not rest
After retirement he came back to his native village and saw that the farmers were struggling to process turmeric that is a major farm produce of the village. He then decided to come forward to help the farmers in his area to process turmeric sustainably and economically.
Kangra has a major production of turmeric. This annual crop needs a lot of processing before it is marketed. It includes washing, cleaning and finally drying.
Major Rana detected that while drying turmeric under open sun it took 12-15 days and also it would get polluted by bird droppings and dust. He mentioned that it needs regular monitoring of the product for drying in the open sun.
To solve these issues, He bought a Raheja Solar Dryer that processes the turmeric chips in just the half time of open sun drying and also protects the product from any kind of pollutant. According to the villagers, the turmeric dried in the solar dryers is as fragrant as the fresh one and the color is also retained to bright yellow in comparison to the sun-dried turmeric that fades to pale yellow.
He along with all the farmers of his village are collectively processing turmeric and other vegetables like spinach, coriander, potato from their farms and saving their time and efforts along with getting a naturally preserved high quality material.
Raheja Solar dryer is an effective modification of the traditional method of sun drying. It is sustainable and organic technology that a farmer can use for maximum profit in minimum time.
Balachandra
Empowering Change: Balachandra's Solar Dryer Revolution
Can you imagine how much revenue one can generate from a solar dryer that he is giving training to 2000 people? Surprising right? But, In the heart of Telangana, Balachandra has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation for farmers struggling with the challenges of agricultural sustainability. With a passion for education and sustainability, he has dedicated his life to training around 2,000 individuals on the effective use of Raheja solar dryers, empowering them to harness the sun's energy for food preservation and processing.
A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
Balachandra's journey began with a simple realization: many farmers were losing a significant portion of their crops due to spoilage and inadequate preservation methods. He understood that solar dryers could be the solution, allowing farmers to extend the shelf life of their produce while also generating additional income. His mission was clear: to educate and empower those around him.
He began conducting workshops and training sessions, sharing his knowledge of solar drying technology with farmers and students from government colleges. He explained not only the mechanics of the dryers but also the importance of sustainability in agriculture. His sessions were filled with practical demonstrations and discussions about the economic benefits of food processing.
THE IMPACT OF SOLAR DRYING
The results of Balachandra's efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. Farmers who once struggled to make ends meet are now generating an income between ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 from their solar-dried products. This newfound financial stability has transformed lives, allowing families to invest in better living conditions.
A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
In his own words, Balachandra reflects on his journey: "Seeing the smiles on the faces of farmers who can now support their families and thrive is the greatest reward. Sustainability is not just a concept; it's a way of life that can change our future."
Through Raheja Solar Food Processing he is not just teaching a technique; he is igniting a movement towards sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.
Monpa Tribe
In the heart of the Monpa Tribes, where community and culture intertwine, a remarkable transformation is taking place. This community-run NGO, primarily focused on child-centric initiatives, has embraced the age-old practice of drying fruits and vegetables, adapting it to modern needs with the introduction of Raheja solar dryers.
A COMMUNITY IN NEED
For generations, the Monpa community has relied on sun drying to preserve their harvests. However, the unpredictable weather and the limitations of open sunlight drying posed significant challenges. With extreme weather conditions becoming the norm, the community recognized the need for a more reliable and hygienic solution to ensure their food security.
When solar dryers were introduced, it marked a turning point. "We noticed a significant difference between open sunlight drying and solar drying," shared a community member. The solar dryers not only preserved the quality of their produce but also offered a more economical and eco-friendly method of drying.
NURTURING SUSTAINABILITY
Currently, the community operates a small solar dryer unit for experimentation and learning. They have successfully dried Himalayan gooseberries, local turmeric, ginger candy, and wild organic kiwi. Although they have not yet sold any products, they have shared their creations with supportive friends and family, building excitement for the future.
The community believes in the potential of solar drying as a sustainable practice. "Solar dryers are more cost-effective than those powered by conventional fuel or electricity," one member explained. "The drying process is completed in the most hygienic way, with low operation and maintenance costs."
A VISION OF THE FUTURE
The Monpa community is not just focused on meeting their local needs; they are also planning to market their chemical-free products, which are unique to their region. The enthusiasm for solar drying has sparked a sense of hope and empowerment among the community members. Many have even turned this practice into a profitable venture, creating permanent jobs and contributing to the local economy.
As they look ahead, the community is filled with optimism. "We believe the dryers hold great potential," one member stated. "It could be a very sustainable means of practice." The achievements they have witnessed so far have instilled a belief that they can create a thriving economy based on their agricultural heritage.
Jitendra
Rajasthan Farmer Embraces Eco-Friendly Future with Raheja Solar Dryer
Jitendra Singh, a dedicated farmer from Rajasthan, has transformed his approach to food processing through innovative technology. For the past eight months, he has been using the Raheja Solar Dryer, model C5, to dry seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs like pudina. His journey is not just about saving money; it's about embracing sustainability and enhancing his family's livelihood.
Jitendra's venture into solar drying began as a necessity. With the rising costs of living and the need for additional income, he sought a solution that was both economical and environmentally friendly. The solar dryer has allowed him to produce around 5 kg of dried products monthly, significantly reducing waste from seasonal surpluses.
FINANCIAL FREEDOM
By utilizing the solar dryer, Jitendra has managed to save between ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 each month. This financial relief has not only improved his family's quality of life but has also instilled a sense of pride in his work. The ability to process and preserve food sustainably means he can provide for his family while contributing to the community's food security.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Jitendra's success story is inspiring others in his village. His commitment to using renewable energy sources demonstrates the potential for solar technology in rural areas. As he shares his knowledge and experiences, he encourages fellow farmers to adopt similar practices, fostering a community focused on sustainable agriculture.
CONCLUSION
Jitendra Singh's journey with the Raheja Solar Dryer is a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability. His story reflects the broader movement towards eco-friendly practices in agriculture, showcasing how technology can empower individuals and transform communities. Through his efforts, Jitendra not only secures his family's future but also paves the way for a greener tomorrow.
Tabir Tattal
Brewing Prosperity: How Tabir Tattal Transformed Tea Production in Arunachal
Tabir Tattal, a visionary entrepreneur from Arunachal Pradesh, has harnessed the power of the sun to revolutionize his tea production business. For the past seven months, he has been using the Raheja Solar Dryer, model C40, to produce exquisite red and black tea. His journey is not just about business; it's about community, empowerment, and a brighter future.
Brewing Success in the Heart of Arunachal
Tabir's passion for tea began with a simple dream: to share the rich flavors of his region with the world. With the help of the solar dryer, he has transformed this dream into reality, producing around 15 kg of high-quality tea each month. Working alongside him are three dedicated individuals—two men and two women—who share in this journey, earning a fair wage of ₹3,000 each monthly.
A Sustainable Income Stream
The Raheja Solar Dryer has not only enhanced the quality of Tabir's products but also significantly boosted his income. He generates between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 each month, a remarkable achievement that has brought stability to his family and his workers. This financial success has allowed him to invest back into his community, supporting local initiatives and fostering a spirit of collaboration.
Empowering the Community
Tabir's story is one of empowerment. By providing stable jobs and promoting sustainable practices, he is setting an example for others in his community. The solar dryer has become a symbol of hope, demonstrating how innovative technology can uplift lives and create opportunities.
CONCLUSION
Tabir Tattal's journey with the Raheja Solar Dryer is a testament to the transformative power of renewable energy. His success in tea production not only enriches his life but also inspires those around him to embrace sustainable practices. Through his efforts, Tabir is brewing a brighter future for himself, his workers, and his community.
Gallery of Solar Dryers With Dried Agricultural Products
