Solar drier to help farmers

It takes just three days to dry arecanut

The drier unit made of polythene sheets, pipes and wires reduces the drying time by 50 per cent. Normally, it requires six days to dry the arecanut. However, using the drier unit of Manjunath, farmers can dry arecanut within three days.

The process preserves the temperature of the day and transmits during night too. Hollow brick walls of 11 feet were constructed on two sides of the unit and the structure was covered completely with polythene sheet of 40x20 feet. Sufficient ventilation has been provided by fixing pipes. To increase the temperature inside the unit, two separate hearths were constructed. Arecanut can be placed on trays above the hearths to dry.

The heat of the sun will increase the heat inside the process and arecanut will be dried even in cloudy weather. The drier unit set by Manjunath dries three quintals of arecanut at a time. Manjunath said that farmers can set up driers of bigger size depending on the arecanut production.

“Farmers need not worry during rainy season once such units were set up in their farms. Moreover, farmers need not wait for sunny days to dry the arecanut as the drier can be used in any season,” Manjunath added.

Zilla Panchayat Member S N Ramaswamy said that farmers, who want to set up units, can buy sheets from TAPCMS on subsidised rate. Those who want to know more about the unit can contact Manjunath at 9448900522.