Zero Energy Cool Chamber

 providing alternatives for low cost storage

 

The farmers of dryland villages have poor resource availability particularly where the vegetables are grown as subsistence crop by the small and marginal land holders.  In absence of proper storage technique the farmers usually sell their vegetables in the local markets soon after the harvest.  Transporting their harvest in gunny bags on bicycles every alternate days to markets induced a considerable stress on them. 

 

The problem was well analysed by the KVK scientists wherein an appropriate post harvest handling method of vegetables was suggested that could retain the freshness and keeping quality of their produce for a longer while.  A considerable arousal of interest in the handling methods  however could not satisfy their transport problem.

 

The KVK taking a cue from IARI design of low cost zero energy cool chambers suggested the modified low cost structure for short term storage of their produce which provided an easy option for their daily transport problem.  Initially the KVK began with the on-farm - trial for 10 farmers, and as the interest on this low cost storage, grow more farmers started approaching KVK regarding erection of the structure.  The immense response of the farmers from other villages prompted KVK to implement the cool chamber installation on larger scale.  Here a modest support of National Horticulture Board was taken to install 200 cool chambers in 10 different villages.  Now the programme has made an impact on the nearby flower growers of Shirdi, where they are effectively utilising the structure for keeping flowers for 2-3 days before marketing.