FOCUS : TECHNOLOGIES FOR INFORMAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES 

Project: Promoting fish drying using efficient biomass fired dryers

Funded By: Small Grants Program of UNDP-Global Environment Facility

Duration: 2003 - 2005

This project has focused on the severely stressed (socially and economically) fishing community and has developed biomass based drying as an income generation option because the activity was familiar, environment friendly and used local resources. The project also extended its scope to drying and marketing of other locally available produce like coconuts to ensure income generation during periods of lean fishing activity.

The project  has been operational since March 2003. It has introduced biomass-fired dryers to 4 community-based organizations (CBOs) of women for drying fish and prawns harvested from the sea or from backwaters. The project has developed drying protocols for select varieties of fish, facilitated training of the CBOs in the use of biomass dryers, developed appropriate packaging of dried products and assisted the CBOs in finding markets. It is also assisting newer groups in processing loan applications for purchase of dryers. It has also understood the need for sustained income for the CBOs during the lean fishing season and introduced drying of horticultural produce like coconuts in the same dryers to augment incomes. Consumers have accepted that fish dried in biomass dryers is hygienic and of good quality and are willing to pay a higher price for the same.

The women have been empowered with skills required to manage their enterprise and ensure sustenance and growth. An innovative renewable energy technology has been utilized to create livelihoods and generate income. The CBOs are able to handle all aspects of the enterprise including purchase of raw material, operation &maintenance of the dryer and marketing of the dried products.

The weight of material dried is about two tons and a turnover of about Rs 3.5 lakhs has been achieved during the past six months of operation. A profit of about Rs 85,000 has also been generated. The number of people currently benefiting from the  project is 45 women and their families.