Spatio-temporal variation of storage parameters in Pusa Farm Sun Fridge

Abstract

Storage of fruits and vegetables is a major challenge in India as we have scattered production catchments and highly varying climatic conditions both in time and space. The farmers in India faces difficulties in storage as options are very limited. The situation is more alarming for small holder farmers, as they do not have easy access to cold storage. Cold storages with good control of temperature and humidity are energy intensive and expensive, involve a large initial capital investment, and require uninterrupted electrical grid supply, which is not readily available in many parts of the country. Storage of horticultural produce in solar operated evaporative cooling structure has a great potential to reduce post-harvest losses.