Prioritization of potential barriers to the implementation of solar drying techniques using MCDM tools: A case study and mapping in INDIA

In the present scenario, food security is one of the major concerns in the Indian context; engendered due to increased population and other associated anthropological activities. Despite high levels of food production, the current poor ranking of the country in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) has put an alarming trend for policy -makers as well as the contributors working towards food security improvement. The significant post-harvest losses in several durables and perishable food products affect society adversely. The use of solar dryers is one of the most efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable techniques for various food-processing and preservation applications; without any compromise with their morphological structure. Besides having the pre-eminent product quality along with several economic, environmental, and social im-pacts, the adoptability of solar dryers has not touched a benchmark; as per expectation due to various associated potential barriers. In this work, a systematic framework, utilizing the MCDM tools; has been suggested for the identification and prioritization of several barriers responsible for such a hampered adoption rate. The study comprises three major sections-(a) Identification and categorization of potential barriers, (b) Prioritization of identified barriers using DEMATEL scheme based priority weights, followed by (c) the sensitivity analysis to confirm the robustness of the proposed methodology. The findings suggested that political instability and interference have a significant impact on the adoptability of solar-thermal-based drying technology. Several potential recommendations for the removal of these barriers are also suggested to ensure the contribution to-wards the achievement of UN sustainable development goals.

Automated summary

Food security is a major concern in India due to population growth and other anthropological activities. Despite high food production, the country ranks poorly in the Global Hunger Index, which calls for urgent action. The use of solar dryers is a cost-effective and sustainable solution for food processing and preservation, but there are barriers hindering its adoption. This study proposes a framework using MCDM tools to identify and prioritize these barriers, with political instability and interference being identified as significant factors. Recommendations are provided to overcome these barriers and contribute to the achievement of UN sustainable development goals.