Use of solar energy in agricultural production and processing

Abstract

The utilization of solar PV and solar thermal devices is suitable in areas which are endowed with abundant solar radiation with more than 325 clear sunny days. This eco-friendly and freely available energy can be used to supplement the energy needs for applications like solar PV pumping, PV spraying and dusting, drying, winnowing and cooking. The solar PV pump can be used for irrigation in the remote farms whereas solar PV sprayer and duster are useful for plant protection. Farmers can use solar dryer for drying fruits and vegetables, which are sold by farms at throw-away prices. Winnower-cum- PV dryer can use for threshed the materials and cleaning of grains in the absence of erratic and unreliable natural winds and also for dehydrating fruits and vegetables more effectively and efficiently. The animal feed which is fed to milch animals by using animal feed solar cooker. These activities will enhance farm income by using solar energy in increasing crop production, reduce of post-harvest losses and increase milk production.