We dry turmeric and chilli for 400 member farmers now without ever watching the sky. The tunnel dryer paid for itself in one season, and the colour we retain has lifted our market price.
NGO / Development
Clean-Energy Drying for Himalayan Livelihoods in Ladakh
In a high-altitude region with abundant sun and harsh winters, solar dryers let communities preserve apricots and vegetables for the long off-season.
Trusted by organisations across India
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Green Hill Eco (GHE)
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Green Hill Eco (GHE)
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Challenge
Ladakh's short growing season produces a glut of apricots and vegetables that traditionally rot before the long winter. Fuel for drying is scarce and expensive at altitude.
Solution
Rudra solar dryers were deployed with local partners, using Ladakh's intense solar radiation to dry apricots, vegetables and herbs hygienically — no fuel required.
Results
Households and groups now store nutritious dried food through winter and sell surplus dried apricots, building a small but reliable income stream from clean solar heat.
“The sun is our most reliable resource here. Now it preserves our harvest instead of just warming the day.”
Keep exploring
The systems behind results like these
Systems behind the results