Technological Interventions and Quality Improvements of Dry Fish Products Through Demonstration Using a Solar-Electrical Hybrid Dryer in the Aspirational Districts of Assam

Abstract

A hygienic dry fish preparation process using a solar-electrical hybrid dryer and packaging of dry fish products was demonstrated among 200 beneficiaries for the first time in four locations of two aspirational districts of Assam. Technology Demonstration Centres were established in the vicinity of the community involved in fish drying, with all necessary facilities at four selected locations for conducting demonstrations on hygienic fish drying and packaging. The standardization of the preparation process for dry fish products using the solar-electrical hybrid dryer was accomplished for the various fish species available in the region. Good-quality dry fish were produced following scientific interventions within 3–7 hours based on fish species used, instead of 3–4 days in traditional sun-drying methods. All problems associated with traditionally prepared dry fish products, like rancid odour, insect infestation, and contamination with dust and other contaminants, were solved with these interventions. The hygienically prepared and packaged dry fish were marketed in both rural and urban markets, including a few shopping malls, at a higher price (Rs. 550–750 per kg compared to Rs. 250–350 per kg), which was not possible earlier due to their inferior quality. After undergoing training and demonstration, the beneficiaries exhibited a heightened level of confidence in their ability to prepare hygienic dry fish products using solar-electrical hybrid dryer. Almost 70% of the selected beneficiaries adopted the technology demonstrated for their livelihood generation using the facilities created for them. The use of the solar-electrical hybrid dryer helped in increasing productivity and income of the producers, minimizing the waste and spoilage of fish during the peak harvesting period, thus helping to prevent protein loss as they could dry fish at any time.