National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K), under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), has launched an innovative transportation solution named SARTHI (Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence). This initiative aims to significantly reduce post-harvest losses in the transportation of perishable foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

SIGNIFICANCE

  • Reduction of Wastage: SARTHI is designed to act as a reliable companion (“sarthi”) for farmers, retailers, food processors, and entrepreneurs by minimizing spoilage and waste during transportation.
  • Remote Monitoring: The system allows for real-time quality monitoring, enabling proactive decisions to be made during transport, thus enhancing the freshness of produce.
  • Extended Shelf Life: The optimized storage conditions help extend the freshness and shelf life of perishable goods.
  • Informed Decision-Making: If spoilage is detected, transporters can make timely decisions, such as rerouting produce to nearby markets, thereby reducing energy waste and minimizing carbon footprints.

KEY FEATURES

Dual Compartment Design
  • Temperature Management: SARTHI features 2 compartments that cater to the distinct storage needs of fruits and vegetables:
    • Fruits: Stored at temperatures between 0-5°C.
    • Vegetables: Maintained at 7-12°C.
    • Special Compartment: Can achieve temperatures as low as -10°C for certain produce, helping to mitigate chilling injury and moisture loss.
Integration of IoT and Sensors
  • Real-Time Monitoring: The system incorporates sensors that track:
    • Temperature
    • Humidity
    • Ethylene levels
    • CO2 levels
  • Mobile App C0onnectivity: Data collected by the sensors is transmitted to the cloud, accessible via a mobile app, allowing for real-time quality assessment and monitoring.
Sustainable Features
  • Solar-Powered Air Handling Unit: This feature ensures temperature control during transport halts, contributing to sustainability and energy efficiency.

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