India barely processes 3% of the nearly 600 million tonnes of grains and fruits and vegetables it produces. The lack of processing creates seasonal price shocks for consumers and massive losses for farmers when prices crash. The ability to process food, and make value additions, especially closer to the farmgate, can increase rural incomes.

TR Vivek speaks to Vaibhav Tidke, founder of CEO of S4S Technologies, an innovative startup that uses a patented, low-cost, solar-powered technology to help rural women become food processing entrepreneurs, and add value to India's food chain.

For feedback and comments write to Vivek.tr@thehindu.co.in