Pusa Farm Sun Fridge (Pusa-FSF):
Scientists from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) have developed an on-farm green energy refrigeration system (Pusa-FSF) and technology for the extraction of gluten from the wheat dough and its regeneration in bajra (pearl millet) and makka (maize) flour.
Pusa-FSF:
- Pusa Farm Sun Fridge (Pusa-FSF) is a 100% solar-powered battery-less cold store that can preserve around 2 tonnes of freshly-harvested produce at 3-4°C during the day and 8-12°C at nighttime.
- It has rooftop solar panels that generate 5 kilowatt (KW) power, which helps in running air conditioning.
- The panels also power a 105-watt submersible pump circulating about 1,000 litres of water from a tank through overhead PVC pipes.
- At night, there is only passive evaporative cooling, with the water chilled during the day acting as a natural heat sink.
- All farmers with solar pumps are a potential market for the Pusa-FSF. India has an estimated four lakh-plus installed solar water pumps.
- An average 5-horsepower pump costing Rs. 2.5 lakh attracts 70-90% subsidy.
Benefits:
- Farmers can store and preserve their own produce. It can avoid distress sales and help improve prices.
- It will help minimize post-harvest losses.
- More room to grow perishable items such as tomatoes, fruits, other than Paddy and Maize.
