SOLAR DRYER TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE

Slogan: Switch on the Sun. Let the Sun shine on Life!

Moyog Innovation House selling dried fruit and herbs from farmers in rural areas who are experiencing economic difficulties due to the COVID19 pandemic. By using a Solar Dryer, Moyog Innovation House can make and sell more products from village farmers with more effective and environmentally friendly equipment. 

Current situation: Since the COVID-19 pandemic happened, most of the farmers and rural producers face enormous challenges. Farmers in rural areas cannot produce their agricultural products, as they did at TAMU Market, so they are forced to throw away their agricultural products such as ginger, lemon, lemongrass, pandan, pineapple, rambutan, and banana.

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Problem: Farmers' income during COVID-19 were affected, we have conducted a survey, 50% of the total respondents said that their incomes were severely affected.

Solution: We have tried to make new products such as oven-dried lemon, oven-dried ginger, and herbal drink using an electric oven dryer. Moyog Innovation House collects the agricultural produce of farmers in rural areas and dries using the machine, packaged and sold under one brand “Koondos!”

However, electric oven dryers use a lot of electricity and are considered inefficient for long-term use. Other than that, electric ovens are considered not environmentally friendly because electricity production uses coal which leads to a higher temperature and global warming. We are thinking of using solar dried technology from the University Malaysia Sabah which based on existing research could be technically and economically viable when it is compared with electric dryers, and a suitable alternative to dry agricultural products.

Impact on the community and environment.

By using solar oven technology, we could increase farmers' income as they can sell their products in dried forms which extend their shelf life. In terms of the environment, they do not need to throw away the fresh fruits they produce, thereby reducing food waste and carbon footprint.

SDG Related :-

SDG 1: No poverty

SDG 7: Renewable Energy

SDG 8: Good Job and Economic Growth

SDG 9: Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and Communities

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption