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

Post-harvest losses remain a significant constraint for smallholder agriculture, particularly for perishable fruits, vegetables and spices. This study evaluates the technical performance, user acceptance, and scaling potential of low-cost bamboo solar dryers introduced through Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Akola, Maharashtra between 2022 and 2024. The intervention involved 150 rural women beneficiaries across three villages and compared bamboo solar dryers with traditional open sun drying. Key performance indicators included drying time, product quality (visual assessment), and user feedback on ergonomics and adoption intent. Bamboo solar dryers reduced average drying time by 29.75% in 2022 and 33.99% in 2023-2024 compared to traditional methods. The enclosed design decreased contamination and improved color retention, while ergonomic features reduced drudgery for women users. The findings align with experimental literature on solar bamboo dryers and micro solar systems, indicating that locally fabricated bamboo dryers are a practical, gender-inclusive, and climate-resilient post-harvest solution. Recommendations include policy integration, capacity building for SHGs/FPOs, and further research on drying kinetics, nutrient retention, microbial safety, and economic feasibility.