Mon Jul 28 20:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Headline: Solar Drying Revolutionizes Fish Preservation, Boosting Protein and Shelf Life in Tamil Nadu**

**CHENNAI, July 29, 2025** – A groundbreaking technique is transforming the fish drying industry in Tamil Nadu, offering a healthier, more sustainable, and economically viable alternative to traditional methods. Researchers at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and its Fish for all Research and Training Centre in Poompuhar have successfully implemented solar drying technology, yielding superior quality dried fish with significantly higher protein content, lower salt levels, and extended shelf life.

Traditionally dried fish often contains dangerously high salt levels (over 30%), exceeding food safety standards, and is prone to contamination due to open-air drying. The traditional method also results in a product with high moisture content, leading to a short shelf life of only two months and only 35-40% protein. MSSRF’s solar drying process reduces the salt content to approximately 12%, well within the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) limit of 10-15%. More significantly, the process increases the protein content to as much as 70% due to the quick drying process, which decreases the moisture content.

“Dry fish is a great source of protein. It can be a good supplement for Anganwadi and midday meals, especially in coastal fish-eating communities,” said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF.

Solar drying, achieves temperature of 55-60 degree C and reduces the humidity to about 17%. This quickens the drying process. In winter, it takes about a day to dry using a solar drier, achieving 23% moisture content, compared to three days with 39% moisture content in the case of traditional open sun drying. The solar drying method is 1.2 to 2.4 times faster compared with traditional sun drying, depending on the weather conditions.

The superior product quality commands a higher price in the market. Traditionally dried anchovy sells for Rs.200-250 per kg, while solar dried anchovy sells for Rs.450-600 per kg. If the traditionally dried anchovy fish is bigger in size, it sells for Rs.300-400 per kg, while solar dried fish sells for Rs.750-800 per kg.

MSSRF has provided training to fishing communities in the Poompuhar region, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Rameshwaram on every aspect of solar drying from selecting fish to packaging. In addition to the large solar drier at its centre in Poompuhar, MSSRF has supplied 50 mini, portable solar dryers to women in Mudasalodai in Cuddalore district. The Tamil Nadu government is now considering replicating the project in other fishing villages across the state. This initiative promises to improve food security, boost the incomes of fishing communities, and promote sustainable practices in the region.

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