Making it the first of its kind in Mizoram ,Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia inaugurates a solar cold storage installed at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khawzawl today. At the inauguration programme, the Dy. Chief Minister expressed his gratitude towards the new installation of the new solar cold storage in Mizoram. He added that since it has been difficult to step forward with any plans without the brilliance and understanding of science, this project will be convenient in the future to a greater extent .
The storage will prove to be useful for preserving vegetables and greens, and the Deputy Chief Minister advised the public to manage the valuable storage as a their own property. He also expressed his wish that the solar storage would be utilized not only for the village but for the whole state.
Using solar radiation, this storage plan which is for preserving plants and vegetables arrived last December at KVK Complex, Khawzawl. The installation was completed this January. On January 16, a number of oranges were tested for preservation within a temperature of 6.2 degree Celsius and a humidity level of 92%. During this time, there was no expenses for the maintenance and they have remained safe and unkempt to this day. Later, samples were taken to test in the laboratory. The installation process was undertaken by the engineers from Mizoram Science Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC) . A committee was organized for further observations and management.
The solar cold storage can hold up to 10 tons of vegetables and plants,a temperature of 4-10 degree Celsius and a humidity level of 85%-95%. It is believed that the newly cultivated plants and fruits could be preserved within this range of temperature and humidity.
In the short inauguration ceremony , C. Lalmuanpuia, Vice Chairman of Veterinary, Fishery and Sericulture Board and Er. H. Lalsawmliana, MLA and Officer of MISTIC Chief Scientific presented a speech and Joel Lalbiakkima, Officer of MISTIC Scientific gave a technical report.
