UAS-Bengaluru developed raw milk chilling devise for small dairy farmers
Small dairy farmers can use the affordable, environmentally friendly compact refrigerator that the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru (UAS-B) developed to chill raw milk and preserve its quality before transferring it to collecting centers.
according to CT Ramachandra, Professor and Head of the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, UAS-B “It is a World Bank-funded initiative that developed the solid-state cooling module, also known as the mini-cooling unit, and it is now ready for commercialization”. Also Read | Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) Krishi Mela kickstarts with 1.31 lakh visitors
Peltier Factor
The five-liter small cooling device uses electricity to operate. An additional power source for it is a 12-volt battery. According to Ramachandra, the solid-state cooling module operates on the Peltier Effect theory and is a substitute for the traditional cooling system. He further says that this solid-state cooling module is an eco-friendly green technology.
“Unlike the conventional refrigeration system, which releases CFC gases due to the use of refrigerants as cooling media,” Ramachandra stated. This solid-state refrigeration unit does, however, have a somewhat lower cooling efficiency than traditional refrigeration systems.
This small chilling device can be used by small dairy producers in rural and isolated places to cool their milk before distributing it to nearby collection centers. After the cow is milked, the milk pours out of her udder at a temperature between 35 and 37°C. To minimize microbial activity, the milk must be cooled to less than 10 degrees. According to Ramachandra, the refrigerator module that was designed will assist in lowering the temperature and keeping it below 10°C.
According to Ramachandra, the tiny refrigerator module costs approximately ₹10,000 per unit, and the institution has received inquiries regarding the technology’s commercialization. Also Read | GKVK-UAS Bangalore hosts 21st Agri-Unifest for 3rd time in 24 years
Despite being the world’s greatest milk producer, much of the milk produced in India is lost to spoilage as a result of microbial activity and inadequate transportation in rural areas. Cost-effective chilling equipment at the farm level will greatly minimize waste. Raw milk must be maintained at or below 10 degrees to avoid microbial growth and reduce spoilage.
