Adoption Pattern of Solar Cooker in different Agro- ecological Situations of District Ropar (Punjab)

Abstract

Sustainable development requires an organized efforts to develop and defuse new technology appropriate for agricultural  production system, renewable energy systems and pollution controls. Energy is one of the vital resources for development  and survival of mankind. We are fortunate to have abundant sunlight during most part of the year. This untapped  renewable energy could be the best substitute to save conventional fuels used for domestic cooking and at the same time  keep the environment clean. The solar cookers if available can offer a partial solution to multitude of cooking problems  faced by people of low income. A properly designed and improved cooker if introduced in the market in mass scale can  supplement the cooking energy requirement of several millions of people and reduce deforestation and environmental  problems associated with the use of fossil fuels. Solar cooker which is safe and simple to operate can satisfactorily be used  for cooking in the presence of sunshine. The present study has been designed with the objective know the fuel  management practices adopted by women in rural areas of three agro-ecological situations of Punjab. The results showed  that the usage varies with the topographical situation. In sub-mountainous area, the usage of electricity and LPG is 24per  cent and 48per cent respectively whereas the usage of firewood is maximum (88per cent). On the other hand, in the plain  area, the usage of electricity and LPG is 48per cent and 96per cent respectively and that of firewood is 40 per cent only.  Electricity which is used by 40per cent households is considered dangerous, expensive and irregular in supply due to  frequent power failure. LPG, which is used by 80per cent households, is also considered as dangerous, having high initial  investment and limited in supply. Problem reported with the use of kerosene, which is used by 33.33 per cent households  includes unpleasant odour, limited supply and adulteration. In case of non- commercial. Firewood which is used by  63.33per cent households with maximum usage in the sub- mountainous area , where it is used by 88per cent households is  considered as unclean, giving smoke, creating health problems, laborious to collect, difficult to procure and difficult to  store. Average saving on fuel per year by the rural households after adopting solar cooker is calculated as a gross reduction  of ` 1740 per year and a net saving of 33.33 per cent.