Open sun drying spoils my chilli and turmeric in rain and dust. Is a solar tunnel dryer a good investment for a small farmer?
Is a small solar dryer worth it for drying chilli, turmeric and vegetables?
LLakshmi Narayana6 महीने पहले · 200 व्यू
4 जवाब
🌾Farmer.in Krishi Teamविशेषज्ञ ✓6 महीने पहले
A solar dryer (tunnel or cabinet type) dries chilli, turmeric, vegetables and fruit faster and cleaner than open sun drying, protecting them from rain, dust, birds and fungal spoilage, and it usually gives better colour and quality that fetch a higher price. For value crops like chilli and turmeric, the better colour and reduced spoilage often justify the cost, especially if you also dry produce for neighbours or sell value added dried products. Size it to your typical batch, and remember capacity is limited so very large volumes still need a bigger setup. Several states and food processing schemes offer subsidy on solar dryers, so check your horticulture department or the PMFME scheme before buying.
RRamulu5 महीने पहले
The honest view: a solar dryer protects colour and cuts spoilage, but capacity is limited, so for a big chilli crop I still sun dry the bulk and use the dryer for the premium lot and for rainy spells. Used that way it earns its cost. Do not expect one small dryer to handle your whole harvest.
VVenkatesh5 महीने पहले
My chilli used to go black in unseasonal rain. With a solar tunnel dryer the colour stays bright red and traders pay more for it. It paid back in two seasons for me.
NNaresh Goud5 महीने पहले
I checked the horticulture subsidy before buying and it brought the cost down a fair bit, so ask your department first. Also size it to your usual batch; I oversized mine and part sits empty most days. Match the dryer to what you actually dry regularly.