Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part B (2025)

Vehicle involved in transportation of fruits and vegetables, body cooling attachment based on cooling principle was developed and assessed its performance in terms of decrease in air temperature, increase in relative humidity, saving in physiological loss in weight, increase shelf life and economic gain. The developed vehicle cooling attachment comprises of cooling unit, vehicle body attachment, air-duct and water circulation system. Freshly harvested tomato crates loaded directly into chamber from farmer’s field. Inside the attachment temperature and relative humidity was maintained 27.80±1.44 °C and 62.81±3.98% against ambient condition of 37.88±1.55 °C and 26.44±4.20%. The inside temperature reduced by 10.08±3 ºC and humidity maintained above 60% than the ambient. The saving in physiological loss in weight and shelf-life of tomato was 2.35% and 3 days over control, respectively. The developed cooling attachment can be assembled over vehicle body and disassembled when required.