Indirect Solar Drier with Electric Back up System for Quality Hill Products

Abstract

An indirect solar drier of 25 kg capacity has been developed fitted with solar cell for running the fan. The bulbs are provided in the solar collector for air heating during clouds and evening & morning for faster drying reducing drying time. Various hill crops (Punica granatum L, Ginger, Turmeric and Red chili) have been dried in open sun, oven and solar drier for quality/caparison. The dried products were tested in the post harvest technology laboratory for value addition. The market value of dried products has also been compared.