Houston, we have lift-off
The pandemic has created numerous obstacles and hurdles for us over the course of the past few months and we had to carefully circumvent each one to initiate our solar dairy project in India. However, the wait has finally come to an end. After months of delays, we have finally commenced the first and most important step of our long-term project: the proof-of-concept.
We have been working closely with Ranjan Ganguli and ISIKAN consultancy as our point of contact in Madhupur, Jarkhand, India (where the proof-of-concept is taking place). Alongside Ranjan, we have been working with Cornelius Moss, an experienced Dairy Technology consultant from Kenya whom Patrick has worked alongside in his Kenya and Uganda solar dairy initiatives.
The entire process thus far has been an interesting one to say the least. With COVID-19 preventing our ability to fly to Madhupur, we had to work remotely for data collection. Video chatting platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have become our best friends. We consistently use these apps to not only discuss with our contemporaries in India but to instruct them on how to use and set up the various systems. Working remotely has its own set of challenges but we have managed to overcome together as a team.
On 25 January, 2021, the Phocos Solar Refrigerator System arrived in Madhupur and after settling some administrative matters, it was promptly set up a few days later. Video chatting allowed the rest of the team to get a sense of the operations and assist when help was needed.
The farmer has since been actively using the system and is restructuring his entire business model after our installation. It is heartening to see how solar-powered systems can help improve the livelihoods of people around the world and we hope we can continue making a positive change in an environmentally sustainable way!
We also want to thank all our donors for helping us with their contributions! Your contributions have helped us purchase the system for the farmer, install the solar-powered panels, notary costs, and even pay a local resident to help collect vital data!
We are still in need of funds for expanding this project in Madhupur as well as other parts of India and we thus welcome all forms of contribution to our efforts!
Stay tuned for more updates in the days ahead!
Indeed challenges wrought by COVID 19 and distance did not dampen our joint resolve to make a difference to the small holder dairy farmer in Madhupur region of Indian. Thanks to zoom and Google meet, what could have been impossible few years back worked. We are looking forward to expanding the cooling systems to more farmers within the area in question, and contribute to their increased incomes and improve quality of milk to consumers .