Mr. Vikrant Katekar will present his APS as per the details below:

Date: 04 February 2025, Tuesday

Time: 1200 - 1300 hrs.

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No. 1

Topic: Dissemination of Solar Thermal Hydrodistillation Systems to Rural Areas and Impact Assessment

Guide: Prof. Anand B. Rao and Prof. Vishal R. Sardeshpande

RPC Members: Prof. Sanjay Mahajani, Prof. Bakul Rao

Abstract: 

The present work examines the dissemination and adoption of a solar thermal hydrodistillation (SHD) system, featuring a 1 m² aperture area that produces approximately 3–4 liters of rosewater on sunny days (5–5.5 kWh/m²/day of global radiation). The SHD system offers an affordable, eco-friendly method for diverse stakeholders—including rose farmers, rural/cottage industries, self-help groups (SHGs), flower market stores, Ayurvedic clinics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) to produce rosewater. By January 2025, 22 SHD units had been disseminated in diverse rural areas of India, including 06 SHGs. NGOs have established three units. Seven units have been accepted in the agriculture industry, and Ayurveda clinics have adopted two. Individuals acquire three units, and a government body adopts one. Monthly profits reported range between INR 2,000–4,000 at the lower end to INR 10,000–12,000 at the higher end. Customer surveys highlight that middle-aged, educated rural individuals have been most likely to adopt SHD technology, largely influenced by word-of-mouth communication. Users report high satisfaction, citing user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of the SHD system. Overall, the technology has demonstrated notable potential for enhancing income and well-being in rural areas through sustainable, small-scale SHD for rosewater production.