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Energy, economics and environment conservation (EEEC) opportunities in post-harvest processing of maize: an empirical research for Indian marginal farmers

Author

Listed:
  • Kirtika Sharma

    (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology)

  • Surendra Kothari

    (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology)

  • N. L. Panwar

    (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology)

Abstract

India being more focused on its agricultural development requires information on energy input requirements for agro-based industries, where most of the energy is consumed by post-harvest operations. This study evaluates energy consumption by both the conventional method and the non-conventional method of agro-processing of maize on a small scale with the objectives of effective management of the limited resources in the agriculture, finding energy and cost-saving solutions for the two most energy- and cost-intensive post-harvest processes, providing energy-saving recommendations with suggestions for minimizing the involved cost of operation by focusing on the use of eco-friendly renewables in the agro-processing sector. Energy auditing with the help of energy tools and experimentally collected data was used for the energy analysis of the processes, and break-even analysis was used to find out the new selling price of the product using alternate energy sources for processing. The net energy and cost savings obtained through solar drying and solar milling were 545.38 GJ/yr, 50,017.50 GJ/yr, and USD 7,146.68, and USD 3,880, respectively. The findings reveal that drying and milling when accomplished by using solar energy offer perfect solution to much of the problem for small farm holders as well as for the environment by reducing 39.8 kg of CO2 emission. This research work will help to understand the use of energy analysis and the ways of its implementation in agro-based industries for the development of sustainable agriculture strategy. Policy directions provided help to improve policy regarding the integration of renewable energy in post-harvest processing operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirtika Sharma & Surendra Kothari & N. L. Panwar, 2024. "Energy, economics and environment conservation (EEEC) opportunities in post-harvest processing of maize: an empirical research for Indian marginal farmers," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(9), pages 23643-23661, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:26:y:2024:i:9:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03616-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03616-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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