
Problem Addressed
Farmers in the West Khasi Hills face challenges in warehousing, storage, and logistics. Many cannot access affordable and energy-efficient storage solutions for fruits and vegetables.
Technology
This project involves constructing small-scale, zero-energy storage units near farmers’ fields using readily sourced materials like burned bricks, river sand, bamboo poles, CGI sheets, iron nails, cement, and pebbles. These units are each capable of storing and preserving up to a ton of produce for one to four weeks.
Societal Impact
The facilities maintain the freshness and cleanliness of the produce and reduce post-harvest losses. They are managed by the Village Executive Committee (VEC) under the guidance of the headman, allowing all villagers to access them equitably.
Current status
The Nongstoin Social Service Society (NSSS), a community organization behind the innovation, plans to form a district-level group of 200 individuals. With assistance from the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, they will promote and implement these cold storage facilities beyond the Mawthadraishan Block.