SOLAR FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES BY SEED



The ground-breaking technical innovation implemented by Society for Energy, Environment & Development (SEED) involves integration of solar energy applications in food processing technologies using solar dryers, developed by its R&D team headed by Prof M. Ramakrishna Rao. The novel features combined with latest food processing techniques have helped develop new formulations to process six fruit bars. The technology enabled processing of six under-utilized fruits viz. fig, guava, chikku, khatta-meetha, mango (sugar free) and mixed fruit bars/rolls for the first time. As they are processed in high efficient solar cabinet dryer with zero energy cost, the bars have high nutrient value, are safe and hygienic and have a longer shelf life of about 10-12 months. The innovation has met with a huge acceptance among high end stores, supermarkets, bakeries and hotels. SEED is also undertaking capacity building programs to encourage more entrepreneurs to use this technology.