Ensuring energy and food security through solar energy utilization

Abstract

Solar devices are suitable for areas having higher solar radiation with more than 300 days of sunny days. The solar energy has several applications in agriculture, rural development and cottage industries. Solar pumping can be useful in irrigation and solar PV (photovoltaic) sprayer and duster in plant protection in addition to power generation. Solar dryers can dry fruits and vegetables efficiently and effectively, and animal feed solar cooker can boil animal feed for milch animals which will result in increased milk production. Solar PV winnower can separate grains from straw. In addition, solar devices can melt wax for making candles. Solar still can make distilled water. These activities will increase farm income and reduce losses. Overall, the scope of different solar energy sources is enormous especially in villages for the benefit of farmers