Solar energy utilization: a key to employment generation in the Indian Thar Desert

The Western Rajasthan commonly known as the ‘Indian Thar Desert’ is characterised by harsh climatic conditions with active dunal activities. Precipitation (150–420 mm/yr) is far lower than evapotranspiration potentials (1500–2000 mm/yr). Ground water is limited and often brakish and high (75–100 m) water table. Solar intensity in the region varies from 5.85 to 6.44 kWh/m2/day. Further, peculiarity of the region is that sun is available for 345–355 days in a year, the area being highly scarce in rainfall. On an average, rains occur only for 10.4–20.5 days in a year in the Thar Desert. Therefore, there is high scope to harness solar energy for useful purposes. Considering these solar energy technologies for entrepreneurs, the detailed cost analysis has been worked out and presented. With initial investment of Rs (Indian Rupees) 3.50 lakhs for solar drying projects for handling 60,000 kg fresh vegetables annually (300 working days/yr), the payback period and average net annual returns come to 2.17 years and ...