Innovative Reefer Container Reduces Post-Harvest Losses and Ensures Quality
A groundbreaking new transportation system developed by the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) aims to revolutionize the handling and transportation of fruits and vegetables in India. The Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid controls and Intelligence (SARTHI) is designed to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, a major challenge facing the country’s agricultural sector.
Unlike traditional reefer containers, SARTHI features dual compartments that can maintain different temperature and humidity levels, allowing for the storage of both fruits and vegetables in optimal conditions. This is particularly important as fruits and vegetables have varying storage requirements, and fluctuations in temperature can lead to spoilage.
The system’s advanced refrigeration unit can operate on both engine power and standard AC power, ensuring uninterrupted temperature control even during breaks or traffic congestion. Additionally, SARTHI incorporates a solar PV system to provide supplementary power for air circulation, further enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A key feature of SARTHI is its integration with IoT technology. Sensors monitor temperature, relative humidity, ethylene, and carbon dioxide levels in both compartments, and the data is transmitted to the cloud. This allows for real-time tracking of the produce’s condition and enables informed decision-making regarding offloading and distribution.
By minimizing post-harvest losses, SARTHI not only benefits farmers and consumers but also contributes to a more sustainable food system. The technology has the potential to transform the way fruits and vegetables are transported across India, ensuring that a greater proportion of the harvested produce reaches markets in a fresh and nutritious state.