Vegetables spoil quickly during the summer season, especially in rural areas where electricity is not easily available. The hard work of small farmers often goes waste due to power cuts and expensive cold storage. But now indigenous technology has come for the farmers. Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute have created a homemade refrigerator that runs without electricity. It is called Pusa Farm Sun Fridge or Zero Energy Cooling Chamber. It is completely eco-friendly and easy to make in village areas. By using it, vegetables remain fresh and green for many days even in sunlight. Learn how Pusa Farm Sun Fridge is made.
How does Pusa Farm Sun Fridge work?
The process of making this homemade refrigerator is very easy and cheap. For this, bricks, sand, bamboo and jute sacks are required. First of all, a double-layer wall is built using bricks. The empty space between these two walls is filled with sand. Then the sand is completely wetted with water. Bamboo frame is used to cover it. When it’s hot and windy outside, water evaporates from the wet sand. Due to this natural process, the temperature inside the chamber becomes much lower than outside.
Why is it beneficial for village farmers?
After adopting this indigenous technology, farmers are no longer forced to sell their crops at throwaway prices. Tomatoes, ladyfinger, brinjal and green leafy vegetables remain fresh for about four to five days inside this chamber. The biggest advantage is that the weight of vegetables does not decrease and their quality remains intact. When the right prices are available in the market, farmers can earn good profits by selling their crops. To maintain this condition, water the sand every morning and evening to maintain moisture. This fridge is very effective at the village level.
