POST HARVEST: Ugandan Farmers To Benefit From Ecozen Solar Powered Cold Storage

By PATRICK JARAMOGI

Deep in Kangulumira, in Kayunga district, in a quaint village nestled amidst the lush greenery famous for pineapple growing, we find Musoke Christopher.

Here, the scorching sun beats down relentlessly, and the livelihood of most villagers hinges on successful harvests of their crops—primarily fruits and vegetables. Kangulumira remains the leading producer of fresh pineapples in Uganda, followed by Luwero. Farmers here narrate how they are facing a formidable challenge of preserving their perishable produce after harvest. The lack of reliable electricity in Kayunga, means that traditional cold storage solutions is impractical and costly.

Musoke and scores of other fruit and vegetable growers in Uganda will soon have smiles on their faces, thanks to new innovations.

The introduction of Ecozen’s solar-powered cold storage units, now being used in 10 African countries, Rwanda and Kenya inclusive harnesses the abundant sunlight to operate efficiently. Kamlesh Samaliya, the Vice President Business Development and Exports at Ecozen, explained during a recent press conference in Kampala, Uganda, how this technology promises to revolutionize farming practices across the globe.

In heart of Bukalasa Agricultural College, amidst a cluster of vibrant fields, stands the prototype unit—a modest structure adorned with solar panels gleaming under the midday sun. The system works seamlessly, absorbing solar energy throughout the day to power its refrigeration unit. Inside, crates of freshly harvested mangoes and tomatoes are neatly stacked, maintaining their freshness and nutritional value for extended periods.

“The beauty of this technology lies in its simplicity and effectiveness,” remarked Mr. Samaliya. “Farmers can now store their produce right at the source, eliminating the need for long and costly transportation to distant markets.”

Indeed, for farmers like Musoke and his family, who cultivate a variety of vegetables, including spinach, cucumbers, and cabbages, this innovation has been nothing short of transformative. “Previously, we had to sell our produce immediately after harvest, often at lower prices,” explained Musoke. “Now, with Ecozen’s cold storage, we can wait for better market prices, ensuring higher profits for our hard work.”

 

Kamlesh said the technology doesn’t stop at just cooling, equipped with smart solar pump controllers and advanced 4G-enabled monitoring systems, the units allow farmers to remotely monitor temperature and humidity levels. Alerts are sent directly to their smartphones, enabling timely interventions to maintain optimal storage conditions.

As the sun sets over the village, casting a golden hue over the fields, the hum of the solar-powered cold storage unit continues uninterrupted. It stands as a beacon of hope and progress, bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern technological innovations.

Looking ahead, Mr. Samaliya envisions a future where Ecozen’s technology becomes ubiquitous, empowering farmers across Uganda and beyond to overcome the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns and fluctuating market demands. “Our goal is to empower farmers with sustainable solutions that not only enhance productivity but also improve their quality of life,” he affirmed.

David Ebong, the CEO Smart Systems, and Ecozen Ugandan agent says the new technology will greatly help market vendors in Kalerwe, Nakasero, Owino, Nakawa, among other store their perishables with ease.

“Ecozen’s solar-powered cold storage unit has sparked a new era of agricultural prosperity. With each harvest saved from spoilage, each farmer empowered with greater control over their produce, the promise of a brighter future takes root,” said Ebong.