IIT Kanpur Develops Solar Dehydration Technology

In February 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur’s Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra has introduced a solar dehydration technique to help farmers preserve agricultural produce using sustainable energy.

Key Points

Solar-Powered Preservation: The technique enables cost-effective drying of fruits and vegetables, allowing farmers to store produce longer and sell at better prices.
Hands-On Training for Farmers: Around 30 farmers from Shivrajpur and Kalyanpur received practical training in solar dehydration under the Namami Gange project, with support from Shramik Bharti and Lavkush Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
Live Demonstration: Farmers observed the solar drying of tomatoes, highlighting extended shelf life and improved marketability.
Future Expansion: With NABARD’s support, IIT Kanpur aims to expand the technology to more villages, promoting eco-friendly and profitable farming practices.