This Indori Engineer Built IoT-Enabled Solar Dryers to Tackle ₹1.5L Cr Post-Harvest Losses; Appeared on Shark Tank; Clocked ₹14 Cr in FY25

The concept of solar drying is not new in a country like India, where sunshine is abundant year-round, offering a free and renewable energy source to farmers and households. It is an ancient tradition in Indian households to dry papads and pickles in sunlight, and this practice continues even today.

Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt. Ltd., a venture based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is utilising this principle to reduce the post-harvest losses that farmers in our country face every year. 

According to a report published by the Government of India, farmers lose over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in produce every year due to post-harvest losses. It is a major dent in the country’s economy, which is racing to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ and the world’s third-largest economy.

Even modern retail and quick-commerce giants demand perfect produce, uniform in size, shape, and colour. However, nature is inconsistent. Because of these rigid market standards, nearly 20-30% of a farmer’s best-tasting produce is rejected simply because it doesn't look like a stock photo, leading to massive waste at the farm level.

Seeing this problem, Varuna Raheja, the founder and director of the venture, decided to develop an innovative solar-powered food-processing solution that would help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, add value to their produce, and increase their overall income in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way.

"When you have assumed a problem is not a problem, then it can't be solved; nobody will prioritise it. Our mission is to take what is being discarded and show the world its true value," Varun Raheja tells Startup Pedia in an exclusive interview.

To showcase to the market what is possible with discarded produce, Varun also launched a D2C brand, Bare Fruit, which transforms surplus and cosmetically imperfect fruits into healthy, preservative-free dried snacks, creating value from what would otherwise go to waste.

About the Founder of Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt. Ltd., Mr Varun Raheja

Varun Raheja is an engineer from Indore, MP. He completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering in 2018 from Medicaps University, Indore.

During his college years, while many students focused on placements, Varun began experimenting with composting and solar drying. 

He discovered a striking difference in value: compost made of ruined fruit could sell for around Rs 40 per kg, whereas solar-dried products made from the same raw material could reach up to Rs 5,000 per kg. This realisation shaped his entrepreneurial path.

“I used to feel disheartened to see farmers who invested their money and months of effort into producing fruits and vegetables throwing them away. I realised that this was my calling,” the founder tells Startup Pedia.

Varun Raheja’s First Experiment in Solar Drying

In 2017-18, while still in college, Varun built his first solar dryer on his home terrace with an investment of around Rs 25,000-30,000 from his personal savings and a capacity of 20-25 kg. He registered his firm in 2018 and later converted it into Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt. Ltd. in 2019. 

"Patience, persistence, and passion, these are the three minimum requirements for staying longer in this field," Varun says.

Throughout this journey, his mother, Babita Raaheja, played a crucial role. While Varun focused on the engineering side, she worked on refining the drying processes to preserve the taste, colour, and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. 

A turning point in his journey came when he interned under Padma Shri Dr Janak Palta McGilligan, a respected expert in sustainable development. 

Under her guidance, he gained practical knowledge of solar dehydration and understood how sustainable technology could directly improve farmers’ incomes.

Initial Challenges

The biggest hurdle Varun faced while building his brand was farmers’ inability to see post-harvest losses as abnormal or as a serious problem for the country’s economy. Because of this mindset, there was a strong trust gap. Many farmers were hesitant to trust a young entrepreneur with new technology, and convincing them was not easy.

"It's always a challenge when you go to a new location as a young entrepreneur. It was hard to convince them directly because they were not transparent and lacked trust in new technology," Indore-based agripreneur tells Startup Pedia.

Observing this, Varun decided not to approach farmers directly but instead work through NGOs and Farmers Producer Organisations that have strong links with farmers and could help build trust.

On a personal level, social entrepreneurship proved to be a slow and demanding journey. Varun admits it was one of the toughest paths he could have chosen. 

He even set himself a strict 4–5 year deadline to prove that the business could work, or else step away.

"Social entrepreneurship is a slow learning process. It is one of the hardest paths because you are not just selling a product; you are trying to change a lifestyle and a mindset, Varun shares.

About Raheja Solar Food Dryers

Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt. Ltd. is a social enterprise that focuses on reducing post-harvest waste by providing farmers with affordable solar drying technology.

The main unit operates from a 43,000 sq. ft. facility that serves as the company’s central manufacturing and operations hub.

The space is on a rental setup and has been customised to meet their requirements, including a dedicated office area and the installation of necessary machinery for smooth production and operations.

This facility includes:

• A manufacturing and product development unit where different models of solar dryers are fabricated and assembled.

• A research and development (R&D) section where new designs are tested, and drying techniques are improved.

• A quality control lab to check moisture levels, hygiene standards, and nutrient retention of dried produce.

• Raw material storage and finished goods warehouse to manage inventory efficiently.

• A processing and packaging unit for value-added products like dried fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

• Farmer Central training centre

• Administrative offices handling operations, partnerships, supply chain, and market linkages.

The company has installed over 8,000+ solar dryers across 26 states in India, including regions like Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Internationally, it has expanded to countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Indonesia, and Bhutan.

Beyond selling dryers, the company offers complete support. It trains farmers, helps maintain quality standards, and provides buy-back and market linkage support. RSFP connects farmers to over 250 brands, including Chayos, Happilo, and Farmley. 

It is supported by organisations like Tata Trusts, Reliance Foundation, IDFC First Bank, Villgro, ICAR, CEEW, and UNEP.

The technology helps farmers increase their income by 40–50% by allowing them to store and sell produce at better prices. It also supports sustainability, as each unit reduces carbon emissions by replacing fuel-based drying methods. 

Alongside this, the company runs its own D2C brand, Bare Fruit, selling natural dried products like fruit bars, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried flowers.

Features and Pricing of Different Types of Solar Dryers

RSFP manufactures foldable, modular solar dryers that work without electricity or chemicals. These dryers use the greenhouse effect to remove moisture while preserving up to 80% of nutrients. 

The models range from small 20–25 kg units for individual farmers to large 500–1,000 kg commercial systems. 

"A key feature is that even our largest 40-foot commercial dryers can be folded into a 5-foot box. This portability means we can reach remote farmers in Kashmir or the North East, where heavy machinery simply cannot go," he tells Startup Pedia.

Raheja Solar offers three types of solar dryers, depending on how much produce a farmer wants to dry. 

The first is Sahaj, which is meant for small farmers or even home use. It’s compact and can be set up on a terrace or a small piece of land. It works well for drying herbs, flowers, or sliced fruits in small batches. It can handle about 20–25 kg at a time and is the most affordable option, usually priced around Rs 25,000–30,000.

The second model is Samagra, designed for farmer groups, self-help groups, or those who regularly have extra produce to process. It can dry 40–100 kg per batch and is better suited for vegetables like tomatoes or onions. 

It offers more space and stronger build quality while still being practical for semi-commercial use. The product is priced around Rs 48,000-96,000. 

The largest model is Agraj, built for commercial and industrial-scale operations. It can handle 500–1,000 kg in one batch and is suitable for entrepreneurs or food processing units supplying to large brands. Depending on customisation and added features, it can cost up to around Rs 3.5 lakh.

About Bare Fruit

Varun Raheja started Bare Fruit to give a second life to fruits that look imperfect but are still full of goodness. The brand turns surplus or rejected fruits into premium, 100% natural snacks with a clean label promise. 

Its products include simple fruit bars made only from whole fruits like mango and banana, and pancake premixes with 67% real fruit, all without added sugar or preservatives. 

Using Raheja Solar’s own technology, the fruits are processed right where they are grown, connecting health-conscious urban buyers with rural farmers. Fruits that would have been rejected for their looks now reach the market as high-value products. 

For Varun, Bare Fruit is more than a snack brand. It shows that nature may look imperfect, yet its quality remains pure, while also helping farmers earn more from produce that was once treated as waste.

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Does solar drying impact the colour, texture, and taste of the original produce?

According to Varun Raheja, solar drying is better than traditional open-sun drying because it happens in a controlled environment. In open-air drying, fruits and vegetables are exposed directly to harsh sunlight, which can cause discolouration or “bleaching.” 

Green vegetables, for example, may turn brown or yellow. Modern solar dryers use special UV-stabilised sheets that trap heat but block harmful rays, helping the produce keep its natural colour.

The technology also prevents a common problem called “case hardening,” where the outer layer dries too quickly and traps moisture inside. Solar dryers maintain steady airflow and temperature, allowing the produce to dry evenly from the inside out.

Since the drying happens in an enclosed space, the food is protected from dust, insects, and contamination. It also helps preserve natural sugars, aroma, and nutrients. As a result, the dried product keeps its fragrance, has a richer flavour, and maintains a better texture compared to traditional open-sun drying.

"If I convert 10 kg of tomatoes into sun-dried tomatoes, the value jumps from Rs 40 to Rs 5,000. That realisation blew my mind, there is a massive business hidden in what we call waste," Varun tells Startup Pedia.

Business Model and Distribution Channel

Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt. Ltd. operates on a hub-and-spoke model that provides a comprehensive and end-to-end service ecosystem. The company sells its patented, foldable solar dryers (Sahaj, Samagra, and Agraj) to farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and NGOs.

Recognising that drying is a science, they provide training on specialised dehydration techniques. This includes temperature management and hygiene standards to ensure the final product meets international export quality. To solve the farmer's biggest fear- "Who will buy this?"- Raheja Solar offers a guaranteed buy-back agreement. 

They purchase the dried produce from the farmers at a fair price, providing them with immediate liquidity and a secure market.

RSFP acts as a backend supplier to major food and beverage brands. They provide high-quality dried ingredients (like sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and fruit chunks) to companies like Chayos, Happilo, and Farmley.

Through their retail brand, Bare Fruit, they sell value-added snacks directly to health-conscious consumers via their website and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Bigbasket, and Jio Mart.

To penetrate remote areas where trust is a barrier, they partner with organisations like Tata Trusts and Reliance Foundation. These partners often facilitate the setup of "Dryer Clusters" in villages.

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Pricing and Annual Revenue

Raheja Solar earns most of its revenue from selling solar dryers, with a smaller share coming from dried food products.

In FY24, the company reported revenue of Rs 7.07 crore. 

In FY25, it doubled its performance and achieved Rs 14 crore in revenue. 

For FY26, the company is projected to cross Rs 25–28 crore.

In early 2025, the company raised additional angel funding of approximately $144K–$200K (Rs 1.2-1.67 crore) from investors, including Upaya Social Ventures. This funding has been used to scale operations and expand the farmer network during the 2025–26 cycle.

The company’s 43,000 sq. ft. facility in Indore is fully operational and handles over 115 metric tonnes of fresh produce every month. The network now empowers more than 1 lakh+ farmers across India and parts of Africa.

Under its buy-back model, Raheja Solar purchases dried produce from farmers at fair and fixed prices. This protects them from sudden price drops in the fresh market. For example, when fresh tomatoes sell at very low rates, dried products can still generate significantly higher returns.

A small 20 kg dryer, when used regularly, can generate up to Rs 60,000 in monthly revenue for a farmer. Mid-sized units can help farmers earn up to Rs 10 lakh annually, depending on usage and demand.

In 2025–26, the company has also integrated IoT sensors into its larger dryer models, allowing remote monitoring of drying quality through a mobile app.

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Shark Tank India Experience

Varun Raheja appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4 (Episode 22) along with his mother and co-founder, Babita Raheja. His pitch focused on reducing post-harvest losses and helping farmers earn more.

He asked for Rs 50 lakh for 1% equity, valuing the company at Rs 50 crore. During the discussion, some Sharks felt it was more of a mission than a business, while others saw strong potential in building a large agricultural supply chain.

After negotiations, Varun closed a deal of Rs 1.75 crore for 7% equity with Kunal Bahl, Peyush Bansal, and Vineeta Singh. The deal valued the company at around Rs 40 crore.

After the show, the company expanded its farmer network to over 65,000+, strengthened its IoT-enabled dryers, and is projected to cross Rs 25 crore in revenue in FY 2025–26.

Looking Forward

Moving forward, Varun Raheja plans to scale Raheja Solar into a global agricultural movement with a bold goal of empowering 5 million farmers by 2030. His focus is on reducing food waste and making small farmers export-ready through IoT-enabled solar dryers that ensure standardised quality.

After expanding across 28 Indian states and countries like Kenya, Nepal, and Bhutan, the company is now targeting South America, Southeast Asia, and wider Africa. 

"My aim is to reduce wasted produce and, by doing so, stop farmer suicides in India and all over the world," Varun concluded.

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