Swuyievezo Dzudo, a 26-year-old botany postgraduate from Porba village in Nagaland’s Phek district, has designed an innovative, affordable solar food dryer using bamboo, recycled beer cans, UV sheets, and scrap wood. This off-grid dryer protects 50 to 100 kilograms of produce in 2-3 days, reducing crop spoilage caused by erratic weather and unreliable electricity.

Supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek and local biotech experts, his innovation has benefited over 500 farmers across five villages. It has boosted farmer incomes by 30-40% and earned Dzudo the prestigious IARI Innovative Farmer Award 2025 for blending science, sustainability, and social impact

Tackling Chronic Crop Spoilage with Ingenuity and Local Resources

Porba and surrounding villages in Nagaland’s Phek district have long struggled with post-harvest losses due to unpredictable monsoons, pests, dust, and a lack of dependable electricity. Fresh produce such as turmeric, kiwi, ginger, chillies, tomatoes, and bamboo shoots often spoiled before farmers could sell them, forcing farmers to sell at low prices or suffer losses.

Growing up in Porba, Swuyievezo Dzudo was deeply connected to the land. After completing his postgraduate studies in Botany from St. Joseph University, Dimapur, he chose to return to his village with a mission: to address the systemic issues hurting local farmers. Engaging closely with the community, he recognised that preserving produce post-harvest was a critical challenge hindering farmer prosperity.

Combining traditional knowledge with scientific principles, Swuyievezo experimented with materials readily available or recycled locally. He designed a solar dryer made from bamboo frames, wooden supports, UV-protective sheets, glass, and aluminium beer cans that act as solar heat collectors. This setup efficiently captures and retains solar heat, drying 50 to 100 kilograms of produce within two to three days without electricity or chemical preservatives.

Collaboration and Innovation: Overcoming Climatic and Technical Challenges

The cold and humid climate of Nagaland posed real questions about the dryer’s effectiveness. Swuyievezo worked closely with experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek and Kirat Biotech, particularly CTO Manish Choudhury, to refine the design. Their expert guidance helped optimise insulation, airflow, and heat retention to overcome climatic constraints.

Swuyievezo’s smart use of scrap materials also reduced costs. The basic five-foot solar dryer costs around Rs 7,000, while larger community units range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000—affordable amounts for marginal farmers and supported partly through CSR projects. Demonstrations, workshops, and training sessions helped farmers overcome hesitation about new technology and adopt the solar dryers.

He has so far distributed these dryers free of charge to ensure no farmer is left behind, underscoring his principle that impact should come before profit. His efforts reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and community inclusion.

Real Impact: Empowering Farmers, Improving Livelihoods

By mid-2025, over 25 solar dryers were installed across five villages — Porba, Thuvopisu, Dzulhami, Runguzu, and Ciepoketa — benefiting nearly 500 farmers. These dryers help transform perishable crops into high-value, dried products such as turmeric powder, kiwi chips, ginger flakes, and bamboo shoot flakes. These products retain superior colour, flavour, and shelf life compared to traditional sun-dried goods, fetching better market prices.

Farmers like Verazo and Nepruzu credit the solar dryers for drastically reducing post-harvest losses and labour, helping them earn 30-40% higher incomes. The thriving local trade in dried produce also invigorates rural economies and bolsters food security.

Founder’s Journey: From Student to Agricultural Innovator

Swuyievezo Dzudo was born and raised in Porba, an underdeveloped but picturesque village surrounded by rich biodiversity. Rather than pursuing a city career after his Botany degree, he returned home intent on making a difference. With deep roots in the land and a scientific mindset, he bridged grassroots realities with innovation.

Beyond the solar dryer, Swuyievezo has also built a low-cost polyhouse for seedling protection, demonstrating his broader vision of sustainable agriculture through accessible technologies. His annual farm income now ranges between Rs 6-7 lakhs—a remarkable achievement in a region where average farm incomes are much lower.

His approach exemplifies local leadership and innovative thinking driven by empathy, science, and community collaboration.

Recognition and Awards: National Honor for a Local Hero

In February 2025, Swuyievezo’s work was formally acknowledged when Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), presented him with the IARI Innovative Farmer Award at the Pusa Agri Fair in New Delhi. Officials praised the project for its unique blend of sustainability, scientific rigour, and social impact—highlighting how practical, off-grid technologies can build rural resilience in challenging environments.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Swuyievezo Dzudo is a shining example of how empathy, ingenuity, and local knowledge can transform rural livelihoods and advance sustainable development. His solar dryer is more than a device; it is a symbol of hope, dignity, and empowerment for marginalized farmers navigating climate and infrastructure challenges.

At The Logical Indian, we champion such homegrown innovations that marry science and social good. This story urges us to reflect on the vital role of youth-led grassroots solutions in creating equitable, harmonious, and resilient communities.