HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 6: The Department of Agricultural Engineering at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, has made a groundbreaking stride in tea processing technology by recently securing a patent for a cutting-edge tea dryer tailored specifically for the benefit of small tea growers.
Led by senior scientist Abhijit Bora and supported by junior scientist Kaushik Hazarika, the team unveiled a cost-effective natural draft gas-fired tea dryer. Designed to cater to the needs of small tea growers in Upper Assam, where piped gas resources are abundant, the dryer marks a significant departure from traditional electricity-dependent drying methods.
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“The hallmark of our dryer lies in its independence from electricity, offering a viable solution to the most critical aspect of tea processing for small growers – drying,” remarked Bora, emphasising the dryer’s potential to elevate tea quality and streamline production processes.
With a capacity of approximately 100 kg per batch, the dryer holds immense promise for stakeholders in the region, particularly in light of Assam’s burgeoning community of small tea growers, estimated at around 68,465. These growers collectively contribute a substantial portion, nearly 100 million kg, to the state’s annual tea production, which accounts for 55 per cent of India’s total output.
Strategically concentrated in the five Upper Assam districts, where piped gas infrastructure is prevalent, the dryer’s utilisation of this resource as a heat source is poised to gain swift traction. Moreover, given the unreliable electricity supply in the region, the dryer’s self-sufficiency presents a compelling economic proposition for growers, unlocking newfound market potential.
The dryer’s innovative design features a gas-fired natural draft/forced draft system, integrating a heat exchanger and direct heating mechanism. Constructed with heat-resistant steel, the burning chamber incorporates an overhead plenum chamber, alongside ambient air inlet and hot air flow chutes, equipped with air flow control mechanisms and parameter recording ports for precise monitoring of psychometric properties.
“With a capacity of 35 kg per batch, translating to 175 kg per day, our dryer not only enhances operational efficiency but also delivers superior tea quality, as validated by a recovery rate of 32.6 per cent, surpassing conventional methods,” added Bora, underscoring the dryer’s performance parity with commercial counterparts.
The unveiling of this pioneering tea dryer underscores Assam Agricultural University’s commitment to driving innovation and empowering small tea growers, heralding a new era of sustainable and technologically advanced tea production in the region.
