BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 9th September 2025: In a pioneering initiative to empower rural women entrepreneurs, the NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT) under its flagship program “Arkaneer” has deployed a solar-hybrid dryer to the ‘Om Namah Shivay’ Self-Help Group (SHG) in Chankhala village. The project is part of the Sunil Scheme, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Led by Professor (Dr.) Shantipada Gan Choudhury, the solar-hybrid dryer designed for energy-efficient spice processing enables 16 women of the SHG to sun-dry and package a variety of spices including chili, cumin, turmeric, rice flour, moringa leaves, mint, and bay leaves. The dryer not only accelerates the drying process but also ensures hygienic, eco-friendly production, enhancing the market value of their goods.
Following the installation, NBIRT has provided ongoing technical support, including hands-on training in equipment maintenance and spice packaging. The women, once limited to drying spices manually in courtyards, now operate with improved efficiency and environmental sustainability.
With Arkaneer’s backing, the SHG has expanded its reach beyond local boundaries, participating in rural and urban fairs across block and panchayat levels. Their products now cater to a diverse customer base, bridging the gap between grassroots production and mainstream markets.
NBIRT’s involvement goes beyond hardware deployment. The institute continues to monitor product quality, packaging standards, and business growth strategies. On September 8, a dedicated workshop on marketing and branding was held for the SHG, featuring insights from Sunil Scheme Principal Investigator Dr. Richik Ghosh Thakur, Co-PI E. Kapil Baran Bhowmik, Project Officer Anup De, and marketing expert E. Satyajit Bhattacharya. Topics included traditional vs. digital marketing, branding techniques and packaging tips.
SHG President Ranjuli Sinha expressed enthusiasm about the transformation. “Earlier, we dried spices in the open sun. With the dryer, our products are cleaner and more eco-friendly. Our income has increased, and we’re thinking of expanding,” she said with a smile. The group has also proposed converting their government-issued electric grinder to solar power, signaling a growing interest in sustainable technology.
Encouraged by Arkaneer’s future plans, the women are optimistic about scaling their operations. Their journey reflects a successful blend of grassroots innovation, gender empowerment, and sustainable enterprise one solar dryer at a time.
