Sana’a - SABA:
In a strategic move to enhance food security and localize advanced technologies, the General Authority for Science, Research, Technology and Innovation announced its success in manufacturing and developing solar dryers as a sustainable solution to reduce post-harvest agricultural losses.
Speaking to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), Deputy Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Houri described the achievement as a major milestone for Yemen’s agricultural sector. A specialized technical team at the Authority reverse-engineered a high-performance German solar dryer and succeeded in producing a local version with comparable efficiency—at just 30% of the import cost.
Dr. Al-Houri emphasized that the goal is to make this modern technology accessible to farmers and cooperative associations across Yemen. Beyond manufacturing, the Authority also conducted extensive research and trials on various Yemeni crops—such as grapes, coffee, and dates—to optimize drying techniques that preserve nutritional value and product quality.
As part of its community outreach, the Authority trained cooperative association technicians on operating and maintaining the solar dryers. Initial implementation with palm farmers in Al-Tuhaita district of Al-Hodeidah has already shown promising results, particularly in drying dates and other crops.
The solar dryers offer multiple benefits: they significantly reduce crop loss, allow farmers to convert surplus produce into high-value dried goods with longer shelf life, and ensure higher market prices year-round. Unlike traditional methods, solar drying in a controlled environment ensures clean, high-quality output free of contaminants and pests.
Nationally, the project supports year-round food availability, promotes local innovation and technology adoption, opens doors for small and medium-sized enterprises, and creates new job opportunities—all using clean, renewable solar energy.
Dr. Al-Houri noted that the Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, plans to expand the initiative nationwide. “Our ambition,” he said, “is to make solar drying a standard tool for every Yemeni farmer, improving crop quality, increasing agricultural income, and driving development toward national self-sufficiency.”

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