摘要
The availability of on-farm storage and processing is a critical challenge facing small farmers,which hinders agricultural productivity.Thirty per cent of the food produced globally is lost after harvest,with the proportion being exceptionally high in low-and middle-income countries due to a lack of on-farm handling and storage facilities.Conventional cold-storage solutions have not taken off at the smallholder level,mainly due to a lack of availability and access to reliable grid electricity.Therefore,off-grid decentralized solar-powered cold-storage units can play a vital role in preserving the produce at production sites and enhancing livelihood and rural development with a minimal carbon footprint.To maintain low temperatures at every step of the agricultural value chain,known as the‘cold chain’,several technology vendors aim to improve the shelf life and user benefit.Small-scale farmers,which account for two-thirds of all food losses,are another group they focus on.This study examines the existing situation,importance and potential opportunities of decentralized cold-storage systems for fresh fruit and vegetables.In addition to economic,social,technological and environmental limitations,this study examines the triumphs and challenges of incorporating solar-energy-powered cold storage into developing communities.Although the private sector,NGOs and some government agencies are working to promote decentralized cold-storage facilities,relatively little has been done so far to have a significant influence on post-harvest losses and food security.There are still knowledge gaps on decentralized cold-storage facilities.The primary operational constraint is the economic situation of end users and the lack of financing alternatives for smallholder farmers.
基金
This work was conducted as a part of research project(project no.AE-027)funded by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council(PARC)executed by the Department of Energy Systems Engineering,University of Agriculture Faisalabad,Pakistan.
