Solar Hybrid Dryer Revolutionizes Food Preservation for Tripura’s SHG Groups

In a significant leap towards sustainable and efficient food preservation, a solar hybrid dryer of premium quality has been inaugurated in Chhankhala, Tripura, on 08th December 2024. Developed by NB. Institute for Rural Technology (Arkaneer) in collaboration with Geetanjali Solar Enterprise, this cutting-edge device is supported by the SEED Division, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. Prof. (Dr.) S.P. Gonchaudhuri, President of NBIRT Arkaneer, visited the site and met with the group members.

During the interaction, Smt. Ranjuli Sinha, President of the "Om Namah Shivay" SHG, expressed her gratitude to NBIRT for their invaluable support. She highlighted how the dryer has not only enhanced their production capabilities but also brought them closer to achieving financial independence. Confidently, she remarked that their journey from "Lakhpati Didis" to "Crorepati" status is now within reach.

The solar hybrid dryer has already proven to be a game-changer for the members of the Self-Help Group (SHG) “Om Namah Shivay” in Tripura. It enables them to dry various handmade food products and beverages efficiently and hygienically, overcoming traditional sun-drying challenges such as time constraints, cleanliness issues, and adverse weather conditions.

Currently, the group is using the dryer to process papad, lentil chunks (daaler bori), chilies, turmeric, ginger, mint leaves, bay leaves, and more. Recently, they have expanded to drying moringa leaves and mushrooms, significantly boosting their production capacity.

On 19th November 2024, BDO Sushanta Datta and other officials visited the solar dryer setup at Chhankhala. They interacted with SHG members and closely observed the device's operation.

The group is currently focused on preparing and packaging their products for the 19th Regional Saras Fair, which begins on 14th December 2024 at Hapania International Fair Ground, Tripura. This event, continuing until 26th December 2024, is set to provide the group with a platform to showcase their solar-dried products to a broader market.

The solar hybrid dryer stands as a beacon of hope for rural entrepreneurs, demonstrating how innovative technologies can empower communities and transform livelihoods in Tripura and beyond.