India: Collapsible Solar Dryer (Dehydrator)

Author(s)

• Eric McGill, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-3-2017

Abstract

The problem of food spoilage is not new; it is one of the oldest problems in mankind’s history. As old as the problem itself, are ways of addressing the problem. Removing moisture from food is a way to preserve the food for long periods of time, whether it be grapes with raisins, or meat with jerky. A study performed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology predicts that 30% of the food grown in India spoils before it is eaten. [3] The article goes on to advocate the use of solar food dryer as a way to prevent spoilage and to increase the storage life of food. [3] Also, the solar dryer was designed to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs and farmers in the rural areas around the city of Mysore, India. The end product was a Solar Food Dryer that was compact when stored and only 40 US dollars for the material cost. Plans for implementation of this technology include following the model championed by Mahatma Gandhi of cottage industry and small business that creates a thriving local economy. Giving this device to entrepreneurs in small villages in the Indian State of Karnataka can help alleviate issues with Food spoilage, and also introduce a new way for small business owners to generate incomes. A potential client is a small group of farmers in the region of Odderdoddi, who want to make, package, and sell their own spices.

eCommons Citation

McGill, Eric, "India: Collapsible Solar Dryer (Dehydrator)" (2017). ETHOS Technical Reports. 14.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/14