Fish, vegetables and fruits can be dried in one machine

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Fish, vegetables, and fruits—three different products—can be safely dried in the same machine. The ‘BAU-ADI Hybrid Dryer’ invented by Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAKRBI) is making that potential a reality. Fish, vegetables, fruits and herbal products can be dried hygienically in a controlled environment with the integrated technology of solar energy and electricity. Being made from locally available materials, it is cost effective and easy to use for farmers and entrepreneurs.

Chayan Kumar Saha, Principal Researcher and Professor of Department of Agricultural Power and Machinery, said this while presenting the main paper of the concluding workshop of the project ‘Technology-based innovation in reducing post-harvest wastage of agriculture and fisheries’. The closing workshop was held in the conference room of the Dean’s office of the University’s Faculty of Agriculture on Saturday morning.

The workshop was presided over by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. Abdul Majeed. University Vice-Chancellor Professor AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan was present as the chief sponsor. Tapas Kumar Pal, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Mercantile Bank PLC and Professor Md. Precision Agriculture and Technical Specialist of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bangladesh were special guests. Manzurul Alam

While presenting the main article, the main researcher said, ‘Bangladesh currently exports about 118 types of agricultural products and fish to 50 countries. However, post-harvest wastage is a major challenge. Studies have shown that on an average, about 32 percent and in some cases more than 40 percent of fruits and vegetables are wasted in the country. In the case of fish, this rate reaches from 7 to 29 percent. Professor Chayan Kumar Saha mentioned that the hybrid dryer technology developed in this context is an effective solution.

Highlighting the technical aspect of the device, this professor said, ‘The reason it is called hybrid is that it is operated by combining solar energy and electricity. The drying process continues with full solar power during the day and an electrically powered heating system at night or in inclement weather. It has IoT based smart control system. Temperature, humidity and airflow can be controlled using the mobile app. When the solar power decreases, the electric heater automatically turns on to ensure uninterrupted drying for 24 hours. Each batch has a drying capacity of around 30 to 35 kg of produce and the entire process is done in a safe environment free from insects, dust and pollution.’

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The main researcher said that compared to drying in the sun, if this technology is used, it is possible to maintain the nutritional quality of food up to 80 to 95 percent. The price of the device is 2 lakhs. It is prepared with ingredients that are easily available in the country. It is very easy to maintain and use. Besides, through nitrogen gas-enriched packaging and vacuum packaging system, the external characteristics and nutritional quality of dried products can be preserved for a long time.

20 hybrid dryers have been constructed under the project, said Moti Ul Hasan, Managing Director of Mercantile Bank Plc, the financing institution of the project. Out of these, 11 dryers are already in field use in Cox’s Bazar, Satkhira, Tangail, Rangamati and Khagrachari; 3 dryers are being used for research purposes and remaining are in the process of field distribution.

Noor Shahida, General Secretary of Charmantaj Shuntki Producer Cooperative Society of Patuakhali, is benefiting from using hybrid solar dryer. He said, ‘Earlier we used to dry fish in the sun. Small or thin fish could be dried well but fat fish could not be dried well. It took a lot of time even by turning it over and over in the sun. An ant or insect attack would kill a whole batch of fish. Now I can dry all types of fish in a controlled environment through this dryer. Sun, rain is not a problem in anything.

Vice-Chancellor Professor AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said that the research is need-based and timely. University administration has always been cooperating in such quality research activities. Efforts are being made to implement the various themes of the project in an integrated manner. It is hoped that through this research, they will be able to move towards export by reducing crop wastage.