Transforming Rural Farming Practices in Nagaland: Swuyievezo Dzudo's Native Solar Dryers Address Spoilage Issues, Raise Farmers' Income, and Bolster Local Empowerment among Hill Farmers
In the verdant hills of Nagaland, a 26-year-old farmer named Swuyievezo Dzudo is making waves with his innovative solar dryer design. Born in Porba, a village in Phek District, Swuyievezo has harnessed the power of the sun and local resources to transform agriculture in his community and beyond.
Swuyievezo's solar dryer, made from bamboo and recycled materials, costs around Rs. 7,000 for a basic model and can process 50 to 100 kilograms of produce in just 2 to 3 days. By mid-2025, more than 25 of these solar dryers had been installed across five Nagaland villages, impacting nearly 500 farmers.
The solar dryers have been a game-changer for these farmers, enabling them to dry a variety of produce, from kiwi slices to turmeric powder, ginger chips, and bamboo shoot flakes. These value-added products have a longer shelf life and fetch higher market prices, increasing farmer incomes by an impressive 30 to 40 percent.
Swuyievezo's success story doesn't end with his solar dryer. He has turned his innovation into a thriving business, cultivating and processing crops like kiwi, turmeric, tomatoes, and pulses, raising his annual income to Rs. 6-7 lakhs—a significant achievement in a region where average farm income remains much lower.
Swuyievezo's work is more than just a business venture; it's a testament to the potential of agriculture as a platform for leadership, creativity, and service. He encourages young people to explore agriculture, saying, "It's full of opportunities to lead, create, and serve."
The Nagaland solar dryer design is an example of how local materials and renewable energy technology can empower off-grid communities. By providing controlled drying environments that protect crops from pests and weather variability, these solar dryers reduce food spoilage and add value to agricultural products, thereby improving livelihoods.
This approach is particularly beneficial for smallholder and tribal farmers in remote areas, who often struggle with traditional sun-drying methods due to factors like sudden rain, dust, pest infestation, and uneven heating. The solar dryer ensures uniform heating, protection from dust and pests, and faster drying without the use of chemicals or fuels.
Swuyievezo's efforts have been supported by KVK Phek and Agri Biotech Foundation, Nagaland University. He has also been recognised for his innovative work, receiving the IARI Innovative Farmer Award at the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela in New Delhi in 2025.
Looking ahead, Swuyievezo plans to develop compact versions of the solar dryer for household use and explore solar-based polyhouse farming to extend the concept of off-grid agriculture. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that a single idea, rooted in local needs and executed with passion, can uplift entire communities and bring pride to rural livelihoods.
(First published on: 24 Jul 2025, 10:48 IST)
The entrepreneur, Swuyievezo Dzudo, has expanded his solar dryer business beyond just the sale of devices, now cultivating and processing various crops like kiwi, turmeric, tomatoes, and pulses. This diversification has boosted his annual income significantly, surpassing the average farm income in the region.
Swuyievezo's innovative work in food-and-drink industry, through solar dryers, not only increases the shelf life and market value of agricultural products but also empowers smallholder and tribal farmers by addressing challenges in traditional sun-drying methods.
The solar dryer technology, combined with Swuyievezo's vision, presents an opportunity for off-grid communities in adopting sustainable, technology-driven lifestyle in their businesses, ultimately improving their livelihoods.
