REINFORCING THE USE OF SOLAR DRYING TECH TO BOOST CAMBODIAN FISHERY SMEs' PRODUCTIVITY AND COMPETITIVENESS

The Solar Dryer Dome (SDD) technology enables processors to dry fish and shrimp in any weather condition and in a clean environment, significantly reducing post-harvest losses and elevating product quality. Recognizing the need to shift from traditional open-sun drying to solar technology, the project is actively promoting the adoption of solar drying among local processors. The project is co-funded by the European Union (EU).  

The SDD technology addresses numerous challenges faced by processors, including over or under-drying, contamination, uncertain weather conditions, and labour-intensive practices. Through its Value Chain Investment Support (VCIS) intervention, the project has supported 10 fishery enterprises, spreading across 06 provinces, in adopting solar dryer domes, enhancing productivity, and improving hygiene practices to produce high-quality, safe dried fish and shrimp products, positioning them competitively against imported products.

To address the knowledge gap in utilizing this new solar drying technology, a Simplified Step-by-Step Guide for Fish and Shrimp Drying Process in a Solar Dryer Dome has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders. This comprehensive resource has been shared with fishery enterprises and post-harvest fisheries value chain actors, empowering processors to effectively utilize solar drying technology and optimize the quality of dried fishery products.

Ms. Khim SOK, owner of Heng Hort (Sok Khim) Dried Fish Processor in Siem Reap, expressed the guide's impact on product quality and consumer trust, stating, "Thanks to this easy-to-use guide, I know better how to use the solar drying technology effectively, resulting in higher-quality dried fish products and increased consumer trust and sales."

Furthermore, in partnership with the SWITCH to Solar project, the CAPFISH-Capture project, alongside key stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Provincial Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (PDAFFs), fisheries cantonments in provinces, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), solar technology providers, and fishery enterprises, is driving initiatives to promote and expand access to solar technologies in the agrifood and fisheries sector, fostering stronger business linkages and joint ventures.

The Simplified Step-by-Step Guide: https://cambodia.un.org/en/257402-simplified-step-step-guide-fish-and-shrimp-drying-process-solar-dryer-dome