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Agriculture Agricultural Innovation Agricultural Technology Agricultural Technology

Low-Cost Solar Dryer Cuts Tomato Post-Harvest Loss by 35%

By Dr. Meena Agarwal · Jun 16, 2026

Polyhouse-based solar dryer designed by KVK scientists helps small growers store surplus produce as dried slices.

Agriculture · SoilnWater farmer network

Practical field knowledge, water-smart farming, and community crop support

Agricultural Innovation Agricultural Technology

Climate zone Sub-tropical

Soil type Alluvial Soil

KVK Solar Forced-Air Dryer

Portable 12-tray cabinet using solar collector and DC fan for uniform drying of horticulture slices.

Country India

State Haryana

District Karnal

City/Town/Village Nilokheri

Featured image

Equipment

Harvest

research-report-solar-dryer-kvk.pdf

Target audiences

Farmers Researchers Agri-Entrepreneurs

Agricultural Innovation Solar Dryer Horticulture Post-Harvest

Knowledge exchange Crop Doctor Comments Questions Suggestions Feedback Share Poll

Knowledge exchange

Compare methods, share local tips, and react with practical feedback.

Background

KVK Nilokheri piloted a 12-tray solar dryer for tomato and chilli surplus during glut season.

Problem

Fresh tomato prices crash to ₹3/kg while 25% of harvest rotted in peak weeks.

Method Used

Designed forced-air solar cabinet with UV-stabilised poly sheet and adjustable vents.

Results

Drying time 18–22 hours; dried tomato sold at ₹280/kg to urban buyers.

Challenges

Initial cost still high for landless labourers without group ownership.

Recommendations

Form FPO clusters to share one dryer unit per 20 farmers.

Location information

Where this content is relevant

City Specific

Karnal, Haryana, India

Additional details

Extra context about this post

Author bio: Farmer and SoilnWater agriculture contributor sharing practical field experience.
Agriculture Share Type: Agricultural Innovation
Agriculture Category: Agricultural Technology
Country: India
State: Haryana
District: Karnal
City: Nilokheri
Agriculture Climate Zone: Sub-tropical
Agriculture Soil Type: Alluvial Soil
Agriculture Enable Knowledge Exchange: Yes
Agriculture Enable Crop Doctor: Yes
Agriculture Innovation Name: KVK Solar Forced-Air Dryer
Agriculture Innovation Description: Portable 12-tray cabinet using solar collector and DC fan for uniform drying of horticulture slices.
Agriculture Innovation Benefits: 35% reduction in post-harvest loss; adds value-added product line; low operating cost.
Agriculture Innovation Results: 22 pilot farmers processed 4.2 tonnes surplus tomato; average income increase ₹18,000 per season.

#Agricultural Innovation #Solar Dryer #Horticulture #Post-Harvest

Community engagement

Author: Dr. Meena Agarwal

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