In a significant step towards integrating renewable energy with agricultural infrastructure, a solar-powered modular cold storage unit was inaugurated at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, last evening.
The facility, inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajeshwar Singh, has been developed in collaboration with the Global Programme on Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies (AgSys), GIZ India. The installation and commissioning were carried out by Cool Crops Private Limited with technical and scientific inputs from university researchers. A delegation from AgSys, led by Kaethe Brakhan, Project Director, AgSys were also present on the occasion.
Designed to support year-round, multi-crop storage based on crop compatibility, the modular cold storage unit is both user-friendly and economically sustainable. With a total capacity of 12 metric tonnes across three independent chambers, the facility offers multiple power backup options with Solar energy being the primary source.
It also has a thermal backup extending for two to three hours via phase change material and battery backup of five to six hours via lithium-ion battery. The option of grid connectivity has also been provided for usage during monsoon or low-sunlight conditions. Each chamber is individually temperature and relative humidity controlled and equipped with AI-enabled remote data monitoring.
Supporting innovation in mountain agriculture
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Chandel emphasised its significance especially in reducing post-harvest losses in the hilly terrains where storage and transportation remain a major challenge. He also dwelt upon the importance of further collaboration in areas like agroecology and sustainable farming systems.
Earlier, Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director Research, shared insights into the various collaborative projects undertaken by the University and the GIZ.
During the event, Kaethe Brakhan elaborated on the objectives of the AgSys programme, which aims to enhance policy frameworks for sustainable agricultural transformation and scale up proven field innovations. Shashi Kumar, Team Leader, Apple Value Chain, spoke about the role of the Green Innovation Centre in advancing the apple value chain, while Dr Rakesh Sharma, Head of Department, Food Science and Technology, further elaborated its significance in achieving sustainable post harvest objectives.
The ceremony was attended by Isabel Renner, Anna Hennecke, Elisa Romanato, Regina Sanchez (GIC Project Director, India), Umesh Kumar, Srinivas from Cool Crops Pvt. Ltd., along with statutory officers and faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Technology.
Future scope and utilisation
The facility will initially be used to generate scientific data on storage conditions for a range of horticultural crops. Post-evaluation, it will be made available for commercial and community use, particularly targeting small and marginal farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and NGOs. Its modular design and off-grid capabilities make it ideal for deployment in remote and mountainous regions where access to three-phase electricity is limited.
