In a ground-breaking initiative aimed at empowering farmers and boosting Ladakh's agricultural economy, the GITAM Technology Enabling Centre (GTEC), GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, has transferred its innovative "Hybrid Solar Dryer with Automatic Temperature Controller" technology to Technology Enabling Centre (TEC), University of Ladakh, Ladakh on January 10, 2025 during DST TEC event at the University of Hyderabad. Prof. SK Mehta, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Dr. Krishna Kanth Pulicherla, Scientist E, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Scientist & Head of the Metal Extraction & Recycling Division and Professor at AcSIR and the team from University of ladakh and GITAM University were present. The technology was formally received by Prof. S.K. Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh from Prof. Raja Phani Pappu, Dean of GITAM School of Business and Coordinator of GTEC. Speaking at the event, Prof. Mehta highlighted the immense potential of Ladakhi crops like apricots, especially the renowned "Halman" variety, celebrated for their sweetness, and seabuckthorn berries, prized for their rich nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite Ladakh's unique high-altitude climate and organic farming practices, only small percentage of the harvest is fully utilized due to inadequate drying and processing facilities, resulting in post-harvest losses of up to 30-40%. He emphasized that Hybrid Solar Dryer technology will have transformative impact for Ladakhi farmers, enabling efficient crop drying, reducing spoilage, and significantly cutting post-harvest losses. This technology will increase harvest utilization from the current to nearly full capacity, optimizing resource use. Prof. Raja P Pappu stated that “By minimizing waste and producing high-quality dried products, Ladakhi farmers can significantly boost their incomes". He highlighted that dried apricots and seabuckthorn, prized in global health-conscious markets, offer substantial revenue potential. This innovation not only opens access to export markets but also solidifies Ladakh’s position as a leading producer of high-value organic crops. Dr. Krishna Kanth Pulicherla highlighted the pivotal role of the cross-talk series among TECs across India in fostering discussions and helping identifying innovative technology solutions to challenges faced by MSMEs, which highly helped TEC, University of Ladakh, LEH in successfully identifying this technological solution to the challenges faced by the regional farmers. This initiative underscores the transformative potential of Technology Enabling Centres in driving sustainable development and solving region-specific problems across the nation.. The inventors of this customizable Hybrid Solar Dryer include GTEC Manager Dr. Karaka VVNR Chandra Mouli, BARC former Scientist and GITAM Distinguished Professor Dr. Ravi Kumar Gurazada, and Mr. Sombhatt Shastri Ayyala, COO-GTEC. The event was also graced by distinguished Prof. G.S. Prasad, Former Coordinator, TEC-UoH; Prof. S. Rajagopal, Coordinator, TEC-UoH; Dr. Sunil B, Senior Project Associate, TEC-UoH; Dr. Mayank Dhar, Principal Project Associate, TEC-UoH; Dr. E. Ramprasad, Principal Scientific Officer, TEC-UoH; Dr. Shringika Soni, Senior Project Associate, TEC-UoH; Mrs. Renuka, Office Assistant, TEC-UoH; Dr. Mehboob Ali, Co-Coordinator, TEC Ladakh; Dr. Mohd Rafee, Co-Coordinator, TEC Ladakh. The event also saw the participation of the GTEC team, including Sombhatt Shastri, COO-GTEC; Mr. Vikas Kumar Srivastav, Head, Venture Development Centre, GITAM Deemed to be University; Dr. KVVNR Chandra Mouli, Manager-Technology Transfer Officer, GTEC, GITAM; and Mrs. Alekhya Maram, Assistant Manager-Technology Transfer, GTEC, GITAM. This technology transfer marks a significant milestone in addressing Ladakh’s agricultural challenges. The Hybrid Solar Dryer will help farmers efficiently dry apricots, seabuckthorn, and other crops, reducing post-harvest losses and improving product quality. This innovation opens access to premium global markets, boosting incomes and contributing to sustainable growth. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision to empower rural communities and promote agricultural innovation, this initiative by GITAM University not only supports Ladakh’s goal of becoming a leading producer of high-value organic products but also showcases the transformative power of technology in enhancing rural livelihoods and strengthening India’s agricultural economy.
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