Affordable Post-Harvest Storage Solutions

Context

Lack of proper storage leads to significant post-harvest losses.

Challenge

Create low-cost, decentralized storage systems that can preserve different types of produce under optimal conditions. This addresses the critical period between harvest and sale where most perishables are lost.

Why it Matters

• Minimizes food loss
• Prevents distress selling
• Stabilizes farmer income

Use Case

• Solar-powered cold storage units
• Community-level smart storage with monitoring systems

Scenario

A collective of small spice farmers in Idukki pools their recent pepper harvest into a modular, solar-powered cold storage unit installed in their village. The smart monitoring system maintains the ideal temperature and humidity, extending the pepper's shelf life from a few days to several weeks, allowing the farmers to wait for a better market price instead of being forced to sell immediately after harvest.