ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF NSPRI PARABOLIC SHAPED SOLAR DRYER FOR TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum) DRYING

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a vital vegetable crop in Nigeria, notable for its high production and consumption levels. Rich in essential nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A and C, tomatoes offer significant health benefits. However, their short shelf life poses a considerable challenge to realizing their health and economic potential. Traditionally, sun drying has been the primary method employed by farmers for tomato preservation. However, this technique predisposes agricultural commodities to a lot of contaminants. Experimental research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and economic viability of the Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD), developed by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI). Four baskets of fresh tomatoes weighing 208kg were purchased from Yankaba Market, Kano, for the research.  Over six days, the moisture content of the tomatoes was reduced from 96% (wet basis) to approximately 11.5%, compared to 12-14 days required for the open sun drying method to achieve similar moisture levels. The analysis revealed a life cycle cost of ₦23,578,194.33 and life cycle benefits of ₦27,585,909.08, resulting in a cost-benefit ratio of 1.17, indicating the PSSD's potential as a viable alternative to traditional drying methods. The net present value of ₦4,007,714.75 confirmed the economic feasibility of the system, while a moderate payback period of 5.69 years underscored its cost-effectiveness. The study concluded that investing in the NSPRI Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer for tomato drying is both worthwhile and advantageous. Given the technology's viability and the significant initial investment required, NSPRI should focus on promoting it through farmers' organizations and cooperative groups to assist individual smallholder farmers in accessing it.