By Umar Nsubuga
In the realm of commercial farming, post-harvest losses remain one of the most significant challenges for farmers.
Particularly for those growing perishable crops like fruits, the race against time to get produce to market or processing plants is often fraught with losses.
However, modern technologies like fruit dryers are providing a lifeline for commercial farmers, allowing them to preserve their yields and add value to their products.
Professor Kant Kanyarusoke, a renowned Chemical and Process engineer who not only uses fruit dryers but also designs and manufactures them, shares insights on how this technology can revolutionise fruit farming.
For many fruit farmers, one of the biggest hurdles is managing the time-sensitive nature of their produce. Once harvested, fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and bananas start to ripen quickly, leaving farmers with limited time to sell or process them before spoilage sets in.
Professor Kanyarusoke notes, “Post-harvest losses can account for as much as 40% of a farmer’s produce. This is particularly devastating for commercial farmers who operate on larger scales.”
“Without proper storage or processing facilities, much of the harvested fruit can go to waste, affecting farmers’ income and sustainability. Even for those who manage to get their produce to the market, gluts during peak seasons can drive prices down, resulting in reduced profits. It is in this context that fruit dryers offer a critical solution,” he explains.
How fruit dryers work
Professor Kanyarusoke explains that, “Fruit drying allows farmers to turn perishable produce into long-lasting products. Dried fruits can be sold in local and international markets at a premium price compared to fresh fruit, which often loses value during transportation or periods of oversupply.”
He adds that the process not only preserves the fruit but also retains much of its nutritional value, making dried fruits a healthy and marketable product. This added value makes drying an attractive option for farmers looking to diversify their income streams.
Advantages
For commercial fruit farmers, the benefits of using fruit dryers are numerous. One of the primary advantages is reducing the dependency on fresh fruit markets, where prices can fluctuate drastically due to seasonal surpluses or market access issues.
“By drying the fruit, you can store it for months and sell it when the market is more favourable,” says Professor Kanyarusoke.
He also highlights the role that fruit dryers can play in expanding market opportunities. Dried fruits have a longer shelf life, making it easier to transport them to distant markets, including international ones.
“A farmer in Uganda can dry their pineapples and sell them in Europe or the Middle East, where demand for exotic dried fruits is high. This opens up a whole new avenue of income for the farmer,” he adds.
Types of fruit dryers and considerations
When it comes to choosing a fruit dryer, farmers need to consider their specific needs and production capacity.
Professor Kanyarusoke designs different types of fruit dryers, from solar-powered units for small-scale farmers to industrial electric dryers for larger operations.
He explains, “Solar dryers are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. They harness the power of the sun to dry fruits, making them ideal for regions with ample sunlight. However, electric dryers are more efficient and allow for faster, large-scale processing, which can be critical for commercial operations.”
For farmers just starting with fruit drying, Professor Kanyarusoke recommends beginning with solar dryers.
“Solar dryers are affordable and easy to maintain. They allow small-to medium-scale farmers to experiment with fruit drying without a significant upfront investment,” he suggests.
As their operations grow, farmers can transition to more advanced electric or hybrid dryers.
