Biogas-Powered Evaporative Cooling for Smallholder Dairy Famers

“A reliable off-grid alternative for keeping milk fresh till next day”

Problem solved:

• Smallholder farmers live far from urban centers, they are faced with poor roads and also have limited/no access to Elec- tricity. During rainy seasons when the yields are high and the feeder roads are deteriorated, transportation of evening milk in the dark becomes extremely un- safe. More so the electric coolers (3000-5000L capacities) located in the trading centers are oftentimes overwhelmed with volumes and therefore reject milk in excess of cooler capacity. The most affected farmers are those who live far from the collection centers; they cannot transport the milk on time. In absence of an on-farm cooling unit, milk either gets spoilt or is processed into low valued products like butter.
• A solution branded “EvaKuula” is effective in preserving milk for 24-48 hours. EvaKuula has successfully undergone field-testing in the hands target users in Wakiso district of Uganda.

EvaKuula Description:

• It comprises of a Thermization Wooden Drum and an Evaporative Cooler.
• The Drum is used to sanitize the milk to reduce the microbial load (Psychrotrophs) responsible for milk spoilage while the Evaporative Cooler keeps the thermized milk up to 110C below room temperature.

EvaKuula Process:

1. Thermisation process

• Thermally treat the milk in a can using a heated water bath for a given time.
• Transfer the can into an evaporative cooler until the next day.

2. Evaporative cooling process

• Ensure the unit is placed in a shade of thick thatched grass shelter.
• Fill the inside trough with about 80 liters of water and perform a dry run for two days before starting milk cooling.
• Ensure the charcoal pads are fully soaked with water during day before using it.
• Place the milk can inside water trough and cool till the next day. Cut off water supply at night.

Why you need the EvaKuula:

• Reliable
• No electricity required
• Made locally
• User friendly
• Eco-friendly when biogas is used as the energy source
• High milk quality is guaranteed

Testimonials, Wakiso district

• No longer has pressure of marketing evening milk because of on-farm milk preservation equipment.
• More income after milk sales doubled and now able to pay school fees for my grand children and also afford doctor visits.
• Grand daughter no longer does door to door evening milk selling.
• No more milk losses since all is preserved and sold once with morning milk the next day.
• As a woman (Mrs. Ssebufu), I can save more money to help me to take my grand children to school.