Solar-powered Cold Storage

Low-cost solar cold storage (designed by Brunel University and Ice Make India) is able help farmers improve the quality, freshness, and saleability of their produce reducing post-harvest losses. A needs assessment conducted by the Institute of Social Sciences identified >30% post-harvest crop wastage and at peak harvest times women farmers get very low prices for their crops. Storage of produce in the cold environment prolongs shelf life allowing farmers to get higher prices for their harvest, as well as maximising quality and saleability. Farmers pay a small fee for storing their crops in the cold storage and this covers ongoing maintenance. The cold storage is managed by a women’s self-help group (SHG) raising their skills, providing additional income and empowering local women. Our first 10MT cold storage (serving a cluster of villages) has now been followed by a second 5MT in a nearby area.