Executive Summary : | India produces around 187 million tons of milk annually, with a target of 300 million tons by 2024. Milk is transported through a complex supply chain, including collection centers, processing units, and interstate transportation. Refrigeration is the most common method for enhancing milk stability, but it has limitations such as high energy consumption, transportation costs, maintenance, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, spoilage of milk can only be curbed for a short time due to increasing microbial load and metabolites. This project proposes the design and development of a vehicle-mounted portable cavitation system to improve milk stability and reduce refrigeration costs. The cavitation phenomenon generated by a mechanical device is used to homogenize and sterilize milk. The proposed technology could potentially reduce or eliminate refrigeration required for milk storage and increase milk stability through an energy-efficient system. This would result in reduced transportation and storage costs up to 20 paise per liter, positively impacting dairy farming. Unlike refrigeration, the proposed technology does not use chemicals or toxic gases in the homogenization process, which could negatively impact the environment or human health. The major advantage of the proposed technology is its chemical-free, cost-effective, versatile, minimal maintenance, and long-term durability of at least 8-10 years. |