A novel and improved solar drying system appropriate for smallholder farmers

Abstract

Indian smallholder farmers use open sun drying to produce about 50% of the global supply of dry chili. Quality specifications in developed country markets require grading aflatoxin contaminated product, which is sold into the Indian domestic market representing a public health risk. Many improved solar drying systems have been designed but cost and complexity has prevented widespread adoption by smallholder farmers. Our objective was to develop the lowest cost, simplest solar dryer appropriate for smallholder farmers. Zero airflow period was alternated with airflow periods reducing drying time by about 50% and inactivating mycotoxigenic fungi, enteric bacteria, and browning enzymes.

Keywords:

• Solar blanching
• solar drying
• mycotoxins
• smallholder farmers

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Agrasia Impex Company of Guntur, India and Food Systems International Corporation in the USA for guidance, support, encouragement, and resources to carry out this research.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.