Now technology makes process of drying fruits, veggies simpler, faster

Konsam Samita
Imphal, Apr 12 : Dehydrating fruits, vegetables and meats for preservation is a slow process practised since ancient times, but thanks to the advancement of science, technologies have been introduced to dry fresh food items in just a day or two at the maximum.
One such technology is a solar cabinet dryer machine produced by the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, which is currently utilised by at least 25 entrepreneurs for commercial purposes.
It is said that drying foods using the traditional method take at least 7- 8 days, but the  same work is done by this solar cabinet dryer machine in less than 48 hours.
On interacting with this journalist, Dean of College of Food Technology, CAU Imphal, Dr Ng Joykumar stated that this 25 kg-solar cabinet dryer machine was assembled in 2016 at the varsity (CAU) in just 7 days.
The size of this solar cabinet dryer which has 2 removable trays is 1.5 m in length and  1.2 m in breadth. A DC fan is also fitted on the either side of the cabinet to exhaust humidity from the fruits, vegetables or meats.
For the convenience of the users, 4 wheels are also fitted to the machine.
The machine is walled by plain sheets on all sides and in between two such sheets, a thermocool is placed to tap the heat.
For purchasing this solar cabinet dryer machine whose price is fixed at Rs 27,500, one has to write a letter to the CAU, Imphal first, said Dr Joykumar and informed that there is no subsidy on this machine.
Saying that similar machines are also available outside but at much higher rates, he contended that the solar dryer machine produced by CAU is cost effective.  
Dr Joykumar also contended that drying fruits/vegetables using the traditional method is problematic as the agricultural produce cannot be heated at a constant temperature and are easily exposed to dust, insects etc, increasing the chances of food spoilage.
Apart from saving time and preserving the nutritive value of the food, drying fresh vegetables/fruits using the dryer machine is more productive to the users, he said.
Meanwhile, one Ngangom Dhanarani from Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai who has been dealing in dried turmeric, ginger, chillies etc business for years said that drying fruits or vegetables takes about 10 days on average and is laborious.
This reporter also interacted with one Leishangthem Romi Devi, proprietor of Ami Food Product, Soibam Leikai.
Saying that she bought the solar dryer machine in 2019 and is using it since then for making fruit candies, Romi also acknowledged the hardship of drying agricultural produce using the traditional method.
This article is reported under the media fellowship program in scientific journalism of CAU Imphal.
To avail more details of the article, one can contact Dr Indira Thounaojam Information & Publicity Officer, PRMM Cell at ([email protected]).