Integration of Renewable Energy in Food Processing and Farm Mechanization: A Review
Chiragbhai Sureshbhai Prajapati
Dairy Engineering Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
Dibakar Das
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, 741252, India.
Amrita Tigga
Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
Khan Chand
Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus- 797106, Distt: Chumukedima, Nagaland.
Anil Kumar *
Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Eklavya University Damoh, Madhya Pradesh-470661, India.
Gurwinder Singh
Faculty (Agronomy), School of Agricultural Sciences, Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technology, Solan-173205, India.
Rita Fredericks
Precision Grow (A Unit of Tech Visit IT Pvt Ltd), India.
Sweta Jha
Precision Grow, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Energy is a critical input in modern agriculture and food processing systems, influencing productivity, profitability and sustainability. The growing demand for energy in the agri-food sector, coupled with the challenges of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation, necessitates the transition toward renewable energy sources. This review discusses the role, potential and applications of renewable energy in food processing and farm mechanization. The paper highlights key renewable technologies such as solar, biomass, wind, biogas and small hydropower, along with their integration in operations like irrigation, drying, milling, cooling, packaging and transportation. Barriers, policy initiatives and future prospects for renewable energy adoption in agriculture are also analyzed. The study concludes that integrating renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs and promote sustainable rural development.
Keywords: Renewable energy, food processing, farm mechanization, solar energy, biomass, sustainability, rural development