The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), has launched an innovative solution aimed at reducing post-harvest losses in the transportation of perishable food items. This initiative falls under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
Overview of SARTHI
SARTHI stands for Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence. This system integrates advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, and solar power to transform how fruits and vegetables are transported.
Significance of SARTHI
Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, described SARTHI as “a true sarthi (companion) for farmers, retailers, food processors, and entrepreneurs.” He emphasized that the system significantly reduces wastage in perishable goods. Key features include:
- Remote Monitoring: SARTHI allows for real-time quality monitoring during transportation, enabling quick decision-making to minimize spoilage.
Design Features
SARTHI is designed with dual compartments tailored to meet the specific storage needs of fruits and vegetables:
- Temperature Settings:
- Fruits: Stored at temperatures between 0-5°C.
- Vegetables: Kept at 7-12°C.
- Special Produce: One compartment can maintain temperatures as low as -10°C for sensitive items.
This thoughtful design helps extend the shelf life of produce and reduces losses caused by chilling injury or moisture loss.
IoT Integration and Real-Time Monitoring
One of SARTHI’s standout features is its integration of IoT technology:
- Sensor Measurements: Sensors continuously monitor critical parameters, including temperature, humidity, ethylene, and CO2 levels.
- Mobile App: Data from the sensors is transmitted to a mobile application for quality assessment, enabling transporters to make informed decisions.
- Market Responsiveness: If spoilage is detected, transporters can reroute produce to nearby markets, reducing energy waste and lowering carbon footprints.
Sustainable Features
SARTHI includes a solar-powered air handling unit, which ensures temperature control even during halts. This sustainable component further enhances its capability to maintain the quality of perishable goods throughout transportation.
Conclusion
With its innovative design and technology, SARTHI is poised to be a game-changer in reducing post-harvest losses in India’s food supply chain, ultimately benefiting farmers, retailers, and consumers alike.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What does SARTHI stand for?
- A) Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence
- B) Sustainable Agriculture and Reefer Transportation
- C) Solar Agricultural Reefer Technology
- D) Smart Agricultural Refrigeration and Transportation
- Answer: A) Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence
- Which technology is integrated into SARTHI for monitoring?
- A) Blockchain
- B) Artificial Intelligence
- C) Internet of Things (IoT)
- D) Big Data Analytics
- Answer: C) Internet of Things (IoT)
- At what temperature are fruits stored in SARTHI?
- A) 7-12°C
- B) 0-5°C
- C) -10°C
- D) 15-20°C
- Answer: B) 0-5°C
- What is the primary benefit of SARTHI as mentioned by Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi?
- A) Enhances the taste of fruits and vegetables
- B) Reduces wastage in perishable goods
- C) Increases the weight of transported goods
- D) Lowers transportation costs
- Answer: B) Reduces wastage in perishable goods
- How does SARTHI help in case of spoilage detection during transport?
- A) It increases the temperature of the compartments
- B) It alerts the transporters to reroute to closer markets
- C) It shuts down the refrigeration system
- D) It stops the transportation process
- Answer: B) It alerts the transporters to reroute to closer markets