Georgetown: The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s turmeric factory situated at Hosororo, Region One, is now more efficient thanks to the installation of a solar dryer. This green agricultural technology has not only increased the capacity of the factory but is a source of financial guarantee to turmeric farmers in the district.
The 22ft X 52ft solar dryer cost approximately $5M to construct. It comprises concrete flooring, UV treated shade plastic, extractor fans, heat exhaust pipes, galvanized steel framing, and concrete flooring with reinforced ramps. The completion of this project is a fulfillment of a commitment made by NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. OudhoHomenauth to President David Granger during the commissioning of the factor back in October 2017.
According to Dr. Homenauth, this facility will allow farmers to have increased income from their activities. It also provides a means of empowering hinterland communities through the establishment of value added activities.
The commissioning coincided with National Tree Day. The $18M turmeric factory utilized rotary dryer powered by diesel. To process 1,000kg turmeric rhizomes the rotary dryer requires four barrels of diesel. As such, to enhance this operational aspect of the factory and reduce the carbon footprint of the factory management decided on the implementation of a solar dryer.
At that juncture, 30 farmers supplied fresh turmeric rhizomes to the factory for processing. To date, this number has grown to about 75 farmers, owing to the available market for the crop. However, poor weather conditions have forced many farmers to reduce production, since the factory is unable to process during the rainy period.
This situation has been remedied with the implementation of the solar dryer. Farmers are once again optimistic about cultivating turmeric to supply the factory.
NAREI’s Research Scientist, Ramnarace Sukhna, who manages this project, said that, “(T)he fresh turmeric rhizomes go through a process of boiling and drying before being sold to local turmeric manufacturers in Georgetown…the newly constructed solar dryer takes seven days to dry a batch of boiled turmeric rhizomes (1,000kg)…Previously, to dry one batch of turmeric on tarpaulin it took 12-14 days, depending on the weather condition…The solar dryer is expected to dry four to five tons of boiled turmeric rhizomes in a month.”
He explained that the factory now has the capacity to utilize both the solar dryer and the heat generated from the kiln. The option used will be determined by the weather conditions. Nonetheless, there will be a significant reduction in diesel consumption.
And, importantly, there will be a steady market for farmers to sell their produce.
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