A group of progressive farmers recently visited the Electric Tobacco Curing Barn demonstration facility at ICAR–CTRI, NIRCA, Hunsur, to learn about the future of sustainable tobacco curing. During the visit, Dr. Ramakrishna, Head of CTRI, explained how this innovative electric curing system, developed in collaboration with OwnTechno, is setting new standards in energy efficiency, environmental conservation, and quality improvement.
The Electric Barn uses advanced IoT-based control systems to precisely manage temperature, humidity, and airflow during each stage of tobacco curing. Unlike traditional barns that rely on firewood, this electric system ensures uniform heat distribution and consistent product quality with zero fuelwood consumption.
1️⃣ Yellowing Stage: Converts leaf starch into sugars while maintaining color uniformity.
2️⃣ Color Fixing Stage: Stabilizes the golden color and removes moisture from the leaf surface.
3️⃣ Leaf Drying Stage: Gradually removes moisture from the lamina while preserving texture.
4️⃣ Midrib Drying Stage: Final drying phase that ensures complete moisture removal and durability.
The complete process takes around 4 days, with a total power consumption of 450 to 500 units per batch.
The shift to electric curing brings remarkable environmental benefits:
🌍 Carbon Emission Reduction: From 84 million kg CO₂ to net-zero carbon emissions.
🌳 Deforestation Prevention: Eliminates the need for 24 lakh trees that would otherwise be cut for firewood.
⚡ Energy Efficiency: Precise temperature control reduces power waste and ensures faster curing cycles.
This innovation not only supports India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture but also empowers farmers with a clean, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution.
OwnTechno has signed an MoU with ICAR–CTRI to jointly develop and promote the Electric Barn technology across major tobacco-growing regions. This partnership focuses on technology transfer, training for farmers, and scaling up electric barns to replace traditional fuel-based systems.
During the visit, farmers witnessed the entire curing process in operation. Dr. Ramakrishna demonstrated how the electric barn’s automated protocol improves both curing quality and energy management. The interaction session allowed farmers to ask questions and understand the economic and environmental advantages of adopting electric curing.
With innovations like the Electric Barn, India’s tobacco sector is moving closer to a net-zero carbon future. By integrating IoT, renewable energy, and sustainable engineering, this initiative stands as a model for green agricultural transformation.
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