Innovative and cost effective methods to harness the power of rural India

It is a known fact that wastage of fruits and vegetables is high in India due to lack of infrastructure for processing and storage. One company that has been working to reduce wastage and increase farmer’s income is Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt Ltd based in Indore. With the use of scientific methods they are able to help farmers. With the help of advanced Solar Dryers the farmers are able to dehydrate their produce and sell at higher price.

- Varun Raheja

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND YOUR VENTURE OF HELPING RURAL POPULATION?

Agrarian country like India and the existing socio-economic structure make farmers the backbone of the society. Almost all food items consumed by us are produced by them. Hence, the whole population depends upon them. However, in spite their hard work their living conditions are poor. Vagaries of weather due to climate change has further pushed them to the edges.

In India, we experience either abundance in season or lack in offseason. The main problem of this imbalance is the low shelf life of food products. In absence of cold chain transport of perishable fruits and vegetables becomes impossible without it getting damaged or spoiled. For example, Victoria queen pineapple, a special variety from Manipur are sold at the rates of Rs. 200-250 per piece in metropolitan cities, but the farmers are getting a meagre amount of Rs. 5-10 per piece. If it is to be processed the produce will fetch double- triple rates.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT YOU USE TO PROCESS VEGETABLES?

Solar dryers provides controlled and optimized heat to the product which considerably increases its quality.

As compared to naturally drying in the sun, the dryer protects the fresh product from UV radiation, dust, dirt, insects and pollution and preserves its nutrients value.