Blue Star launches new storage system for seeds
12 Sep 2009
Air-conditioning and commercial refrigeration major Blue Star has announced the launch of an appropriate storage system for seeds.
Called 'Precision Climate Seed Storage (PCSS) System', the innovative cooling solution ensures storage of seeds at precise temperatures and humidity levels thereby preserving them over longer periods of time, reducing waste and increasing yield, Blue Star said in release.
Blue Star's PCSS system is a unique, factory-fitted, integrated package that includes all elements essential for a precision temperature and humidity control system - a built-in dehumidification system, high-purity filters, and a state-of-the-art refrigeration system, all controlled by a central microprocessor to ensure precise control, the release said.
The system is highly energy efficient as does not add direct heat to dehumidify like the conventional method, assuring a very low cost of ownership. The built-in controller also automatically ensures run-time equalisation of units and compressors, increasing reliability and reducing failure, the release pointed out.
Blue Star said the PCSS has a modular, state-of-the-art design, uses an open-architecture control protocol and can operate 24x7, as per industry requirements.
"The Indian seed industry is estimated to be a Rs5,700 crore market with an expected annual growth rate of 15 per cent, well higher than the global average. It is imperative to preserve seeds considering that they are a precious resource and have the ability to boost the nation's economy," the release quoted B Thiagarajan, president, Channel Business Group, as saying.
"Seeds are a precious resource and if stored in ambient conditions deteriorate rapidly. Since seed consumption is not always immediate, the excess seeds, when not stored in controlled conditions, get wasted. Thus, there is a constant and rising demand for safe storage of seeds in the interim," the release said.
Despite the fact that agriculture forms a significant part of India's GDP, seed storage facilities currently in the country are unreliable, and in most cases non-existent, the release added.