Storage and upkeep of fruits and vegetables are most important post harvest activity. Zero energy cool chamber (ZECC) is a low cost alternative to store horticulture produce. This is an on-farm storage chamber, for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers to extend their marketability. The zero energy cool chamber can be constructed easily with materials like brick, sand, bamboo, khashkhas/straw, gunny bag etc. The chamber can keep the temperature 10-150C cooler than the outside temperature and maintain about 90% relative humidity. It is most effective during the dry season.
Reason for popularity in rural areas
Due to lack of sufficient storage and processing facilities in rural areas, considerable amount of fruits and vegetables are being spoiled after harvest. The spoilage of fruits and vegetables can be controlled by reducing the storage temperature and increasing relative humidity. Refrigerated cold storage is considered to be the best for storing fruits and vegetables, but this method is not only highly energy intensive, but also requires huge capital investment. Besides, it is not suitable for on-farm storage in rural areas, where the producer would like to store the commodities only for a couple of days in order to make it sufficient quantities before carrying them to nearest market. Considering acute energy shortage and inadequate cold storage facilities in rural areas, low cost "Zero Energy Cooling Chamber" is very popular for short term on farm storage of perishable farm produce. Also they are easy to build out of locally available materials, such as brick, sand, bamboo, straw, and gunny bags and can be constructed by an unskilled person and no mechanical or electrical energy is needed for its functioning.
