In the high-rainfall and hilly regions of the North Eastern Hill Region, unpredictable weather often makes conventional open-sun drying of agricultural produce slow and unreliable. Addressing this challenge, the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region has developed a Solar–Biomass Hybrid Dryer for efficient and continuous drying of crops such as turmeric, ginger and mushroom.
The technology combines solar energy during periods of adequate sunshine with biomass-assisted heating during cloudy weather, low solar radiation or at night. Equipped with forced air circulation, perforated drying trays and a moisture-removal mechanism, the system maintains suitable drying conditions within the chamber. During evaluation, the drying chamber attained approximately 43°C, and turmeric was successfully dried within seven days.
Designed to be portable, renewable-energy-based and weather-resilient, the dryer offers a practical solution for post-harvest management in hilly and high-rainfall areas. Its adoption by farmers, Farmer Producer Groups/Organisations and small-scale processing units can support value addition, reduce weather-related drying constraints and improve the utilisation and marketability of agricultural produce.
The Solar–Biomass Hybrid Dryer demonstrates how renewable energy and locally adaptable technology can make post-harvest processing more reliable and resilient for hill farmers.
(Source: ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya)
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