Expert Unveils Solar Food Processor For Rural Farmers

The adoption of Solar
Food processing method has been described as a strategy that would boost food production in the rural areas at a cheap cost.
The Managing Director, Makfurego Nigeria Limited, Mr. Funsho Makanjuola, stated this during the unveiling of the solar biomas energy equipment to promote food security in the rural areas recently.
Makanjuola said the equipment would help create foodstuff-drying centres in rural villages for women.
“The introduction of this equipment for food security is timely and it is important that government takes advantage of this cheap but efficient system of crop drying and processing for food security,” he said.
According to him, the fact that it has no electrical parts, makes it easy to install in any remote community.
He explained that the equipment’s components are the solar collector, biomass burner and the drying chamber.
“The solar collector collects the sunlight energy and converts it to heat. The biomass burner chamber is the place where the agricultural waste and residues will be burnt to generate heat, which is then circulated into the drying chamber where the products to be dried, are kept. Inside the chamber, the foodstuff is maintained in a hygienic condition and contamination is prevented completely,” he explained.
He listed some of the advantages of the solar/biomass hybrid dryer to include its usefulness in any weather condition, enhanced natural convective air circulation system, wide variety of crops it can dry, and the availability of its fuel, wood, farm waste and solar energy.
“It has excellent hygiene quality-no dust, no smoke, and no attack from insects or rodents. The product’s colour and taste are preserved, while drying temperature can be regulated manually taking into consideration the type of product to be dried and the temperature requirements,” he added.

Chris Oluoh