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The study investigates the economic feasibility of an indirect forced circulation solar dryer (IFCS) for dehydrating roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) leaves, aiming to provide an affordable and efficient drying solution for rural tribal communities in Gujarat, India. Traditional drying methods such as hot air tray drying, microwave drying, freeze drying, and vacuum drying are cost-prohibitive for rural populations. The proposed solar dryer, with a total construction cost of ₹4,91,000, incorporates a 6 m² PV-thermal solar air heater, a 12 m² packed bed solar air heater, a 10 kg capacity insulated drying chamber with stainless steel trays, a 1 hp blower, and automated control systems. This technology targets small-scale cottage industries to enhance value addition and create employment opportunities, particularly for rural women. Economic viability was assessed using four indicators: net present worth (NPW), benefit-cost ratio (B/C ratio), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP). The study highlights the potential of roselle processing to boost local economies through export opportunities, addressing the lack of awareness and limited research on value addition in roselle farming. The findings suggest that the IFCS dryer could be a sustainable, cost-effective solution for rural communities, promoting commercialization and economic development in tribal areas.
Keywords:
Economic analysis, Net present worth, internal rate of return, benefit cost ratio, payback period, roselle leaves and indirect forced circulation solar dryer
Cite Article:
"Economic viability of indirect forced circulation solar dryer for roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) leaves processing in Gujarat’s tribal regions", International Journal of Science & Engineering Development Research (www.ijrti.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 8, page no.b140-b147, August-2025, Available :http://www.ijrti.org/papers/IJRTI2508119.pdf
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ISSN:
2456-3315 | IMPACT FACTOR: 8.14 Calculated By Google Scholar| ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 8.14 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator