Modern solar technology development is gradually shaping agriculture. Solar dryers and cookers were first introduced in Nepal in 1981. Despite this, agriculture remains subsistence-based, relying on traditional drying methods. This results in high post-harvest losses due to inadequate drying and storage facilities, issues that continue to affect Nepali farmers. Several studies have established that conventional drying processes are inefficient, prone to contamination and spoilage and dependent on weather conditions, rendering them unreliable.

This piece is based on my participation and interactions with key stakeholders at a scaling event for solar-powered drying technology in Nepal. Additionally, I had the opportunity to engage in informal discussions with farmers from Panchkhal, Banepa and Dhulikhel, which helped me understand the viability of solar dryers for food drying.

Role of renewables

The role of renewable energy in advancing sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods has been established. For instance, in Nepal, off-farm activities, assisted by renewable energy, are increasingly bridging the economic divide between rural and urban regions as solar power systems help most off-grid households diversify into non-agriculture livelihoods. Solar drying technologies have performed very well in Bangladesh, achieving efficiencies of 34.67–39.08 percent, with the added benefits of quicker drying, colour retention and reduced moisture content in the food.

Similarly, in Uganda, solar-powered drying has doubled the production of quality products such as cassava flour up to 200 times. In India, this drying method helps form high-quality products by preventing dust, retaining colour and texture, safeguarding against rain and ensuring overall quality. This has enabled Indian farmers to charge higher prices in the market.

Challenges in Nepal

Several constraints hamper the scalability and upscaling of solar drying technologies in Nepal. This is primarily due to issues regarding awareness, acceptability, availability and affordability of such technology. Gaps in institutional and policy support, inadequate capacity building and training, insufficient incentives, market mechanisms and financing structures further limit the uptake. Studies have uncovered that female-headed farm households face constraints in accessing policies related to solar energy.

While the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre’s (AEPC) subsidy programmes initiative has been instrumental in adoption, low awareness of these subsidies as well as a poor understanding of the hygiene and food security benefits of solar drying continue to constrain the implementation on a larger scale.

Socio-economic and demographic barriers

Rural outmigration decelerates the adoption of solar drying by reducing the workforce and disrupting established farming practices. Likewise, the prevalence of smallholder farmers makes it less viable to invest in solar drying technology. Challenges also exist in reaching and empowering marginalised groups, especially women, who have little decision-making power and access to economic resources.

Subsidy Policy For Renewable Energy 2069 BS (2013) states that subsidies will be provided for dryers based on their capacity: Up to 50 percent of the cost, with a maximum of Rs15,000 for household dryers (3-20 sq ft), Rs100,000 for medium commercial dryers (20-85 sq ft) and Rs150,000 for large institutional or commercial dryers (above 85 sq ft). An additional Rs20,000 shall be provided in cases where 50 percent or more of the beneficiaries belong to vulnerable groups as identified by the Government of Nepal. However, even when subsidised, the initial capital barrier remains too significant for consumer and commercial purposes.

To ensure long-term viability, an innovative financial structure must be designed. Inadequate raw material supply chains, limited market access and maintenance services constrain technology adoption. Cooperatives have proven effective in promoting the adoption of technology and enhancing market access, particularly in the vegetable and milk value chains. Aggregators enable smallholders to connect with finance and logistics support systems. It is also essential to improve transport infrastructure as it reduces food preservation needs in some areas.

Institutional and policy barriers

A lack of market access, technical skills and investment handicaps domestic producers. Current policies often lack concrete support for domestic businesses. It is not enough to declare a product organic; it must be supported by adequate packaging and branding procedures to position it in both the domestic and global markets. Agri-entrepreneurs and farmers in the value chain need to be incentivised and provided with infrastructure to undertake activities such as solar drying of food, including packaging, branding, labelling and marketing. The long-term viability of projects supported by donors is also being questioned due to a lack of after-sales service and ongoing technical support.

Way forward

Financing and scaling mechanisms are key to long-term viability. Solar food drying initiatives can be made accessible in the long term through research and the use of various funding sources, such as cooperatives, crowdfunding sites and municipal government subsidies. And hybrid models that combine subsidies and microloans can provide responsible ownership. Service-based models can further reduce initial costs; for example, an entrepreneur can purchase solar dryers and rent them to consumers.

While subsidies may be employed as launching incentives to stimulate demand, the focus must be on advancing the long-term benefits and value. Local authorities should prioritise the advancement of technology by incorporating it within their annual plans, policies and budgets. Since most users of these technologies are women, providing access and technical support tailored to their needs is vital.

Furthermore, the development of user-friendly, durable technologies, along with ongoing R&D to enhance performance and flexibility, is also essential. There should be continuous empirical research with farmers, consumers, marketers, transporters and technology designers.

Campaigns and demonstrations at the grassroots level are crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance of technology. Training local human resources to operate and maintain solar drying technology promotes community ownership and guarantees long-term sustainability. Combining training programs with nutrition education and implementing solar drying as a means to improve community health and resilience can help ease food insecurity.