Solar drying of bee pollen using polycarbonate-based solar dryer: A technologically and economically viable model for rural development

Authors

  • Kalpesh M. Deshmukh Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Ram Meghe Institute of Technology & Research, Badnera 444701, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
  • Samir J. Deshmukh Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Ram Meghe Institute of Technology & Research, Badnera, 444701, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
  • Kapil Gumte Indian Institute of Management Jammu, Address: NH 44, PO Nagrota, India
  • Shrikant Madhukar Deshmukh Academy of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, and Senior Scientist, CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India
  • Kulbhushan Samal Scientist, CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India

Keywords:

Bee Pollen, Solar Drying, Techno-Economic Analysis, Apiculture, Rural Economy

Abstract

In alignment with the objectives of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, this study explores the techno-economic and social dimensions of bee pollen processing. Bee pollen, a nutrient-rich natural substance secreted by bees, contains a complex mixture of proteins, essential amino acids, B-complex vitamins, minerals, immune-boosting agents and antioxidants. Recognized as a superfood, it is composed of over 250 medicinal and nutraceutical compounds, making it valuable in both health and commercial sectors. This work develops a discounted cash flow model to assess the Net Present Worth (NPW) of bee pollen drying systems from a financial standpoint. The model includes Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX), while factoring in the time value of money, capital depreciation and inflation. This allows for a realistic and comprehensive financial analysis of investment returns over time. From a technical perspective, the feasibility of solar drying bee pollen using a polycarbonate-based dryer is evaluated. This analysis is not isolated but integrated with economic and social considerations, as the technology is particularly suited for rural deployment where most beekeepers operate. The solar drying approach is low-cost, energy-efficient and easily adaptable to small-scale use. Importantly, the study emphasizes the role of apiculture as a secondary income source for farmers. By adopting affordable solar drying methods, rural farmers can enhance their earnings and improve product value without significant investment. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to determine the financial threshold and adaptability of the proposed model under varying economic conditions.

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Published

2025-08-06

How to Cite

Deshmukh, K. M., Deshmukh, S. J., Gumte, K., Deshmukh, S. M., & Samal, K. (2025). Solar drying of bee pollen using polycarbonate-based solar dryer: A technologically and economically viable model for rural development. International Journal of Economic Perspectives, 19(8), 1–22. Retrieved from https://ijeponline.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1121

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 8 (2025): Online First

Section

Peer Review Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 Kalpesh Deshmukh, Dr. Samir J. Deshmukh, Dr. Kapil Gumte, Mr. Shrikant Madhukar Deshmukh, Dr. Kulbhushan Samal

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