Makerere university is set to start production of high modern food driers that will enhance food processing. The modern driers are to come at a friendly price in a bid to help preserve food nutrients and also save time for farmers.
The development was unveiled during the Bio innovate Africa phase II project closure meeting held at the school of Food technology.
Dr Ivan Muzira Mukisa says poor harvest is a major challenge that results into losses thus the need for the fruit dryer technology innovation.
“Post-harvest is a big issue leading to losses in both fruit and vegetables hence a motivation towards the fruit Dryer technology Innovation,” Dr Muzira said during the Bio innovate project meeting.
Dr Abel Atukwase, the Dean school of Food Technology Nutrition and Bioengineering says the high modern food driers are to use hot water over a polythene like material to fasten removal of moisture and preservation of nutrients.
“The food dryer technology developed uses hot water over a polythene like material. Existing dryers take long to remove moisture and in the process the product losses flavor,” Dr Abel says.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the University Vice Chancellor, thanked BioInnovate for their continued support towards research and innovations.
Besides, Dr Gorettie Nabanoga, the principal College of Agriculture and external studies supplemented VC Nawangwe’s complement by thanking the school of Food technology too for being active and vibrant in coming up with grant proposals despite the small academic staff size it has.
The high model dryers will ease work for farmers and also bring in preservation of food nutrients.
