"Development of low-cost cold storage units for small farmers

Thesis Abstract

Post-harvest losses of perishable horticultural crops like fruits and vegetables are a major problem faced by small and marginal farmers in developing countries. Lack of adequate cold storage facilities results in significant wastage during seasonal glut periods. This project aims to develop a low-cost cold storage unit design suitable for smallholder farmers using locally available and affordable materials. Various cold storage technologies were evaluated based on their energy efficiency, construction cost and ease of operation and maintenance. A prototype unit was designed and tested at the farm level. The unit utilizes the principle of evaporative cooling and is constructed using brick masonry, with a bamboo lining and jute sack insulation. Preliminary results indicate that the unit is able to maintain temperatures between 10-15°C and relative humidity of 80-90% suitable for safe storage of fruits and vegetables. The total construction cost was estimated to be Rs. 15,000 which is much lower than commercial cold rooms. The developed design provides a viable option for reducing post-harvest losses at the small farm level.