Context: Recently, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) has introduced Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence (SARTHI) system.

About SARTHI System

• It is an innovative solution to reduce post-harvest losses in perishable food transportation. 

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)

• With its innovative approach, SARTHI promises to be a game-changer in reducing post-harvest losses in India’s food supply chain.

• SARTHI features dual compartments designed to store fruits and vegetables at different temperatures, addressing their unique storage needs.

Features

• It features dual compartments designed to store fruits and vegetables at different temperatures, addressing their unique storage needs.

• It is an integration of IoT and real-time monitoring.

• The data acquired from the sensors is integrated with IoT (Internet of Things) and sent to the cloud which can be downloaded using a mobile app for getting real time information about the quality parameters and physiological changes occurring during transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

• Its sensors measure temperature, humidity, ethylene, and CO2 levels, sending data to a mobile app for quality assessment.

• The system also includes a solar-powered air handling unit that ensures temperature control during halts. 

Significance

• This design helps extend shelf life and reduces losses due to chilling injury or moisture loss.

• This technology allows transporters to make informed decisions, potentially rerouting produce to closer markets if spoilage is detected, cutting energy waste and reducing carbon footprints.