VISVESVARAYATECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“JNANA SANGAMA” BELAGAVI-590018

An Activity Report on
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award
of the degree
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Submitted by
RAKESH S

1BI20ME071
Under the guidance of

Mr. D N Jagadeesh

Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BANGALORE

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
K.R.ROAD, V.V.PURA BANGALORE -560004, KARNATAKA, INDIA
2023-24
 VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Belagavi-590018, Karnataka, India

BANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the activity work report entitled “Fulfilment of the Requirements for
Activity Points” is a bonafide work carried out by RAKESH S (1BI20ME071), Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore towards the partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree Bachelor of Engineering in
Mechanical Engineering of Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi during the
academic year 2023-2024 under my guidance. The Activity report is not submitted by him
elsewhere for the award of any other degree or diploma and is not the repetition of the work
carried out by others.

Mr. D N Jagadeesh Dr. T V Sreeramareddy

Assistant Professor Professor & Head
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bangalore Institute of Technology Bangalore Institute of Technology
Bnagalore-560004 Bnagalore-560004
 DECLARATION

I declare that the activity report entitled “Fulfilment of the Requirements for Activity
Points” carried out independently, under the guidance of Mr D N Jagadeesh, Associate
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangalore Institute of Technology,
Bangalore- 560004, during the academic year 2023-2024. Further, I declare that this Activity
report either in part or in full is not submitted by us to any other university to the award of any
degree or diploma.

Date: 13/05/2024 RAKESH S

Place: Bengaluru 1BI20ME071
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am privileged to thank my proctor Mr. D N Jagadeesh , Assistant Professor, Department

of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bangalore for providing all the help and guidance needed for the
successful completion of the report.

I express my sincere thanks to Dr. T V SREERAMA REDDY, Professor and HOD,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru for his valuable encouragement and
support in carrying out the Activities by providing all the facilities.

I convey our gratitude to Dr. ASWATH M U, Principal, BIT, Bengaluru for his kind
encouragement. Lastly, I would like to thank each & everyone who helped us directly or indirectly
for providing us substantial support throughout the activity work.

I express my sincere thanks to the management of RAJYA VOKKALIGARA SANGHA

and BANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for providing the necessary
infrastructure and facilities to carry out our Activity Work.
 CONTENTS
ACTIVITY HOURS
TITLE
SPENT
NO.

1 Swatch Bharath Abhiyan 80

2 Developing an Efficient Garbage Disposal System 40

3 Making Paper Bags and Distributing to Shop-Keepers 40

4 Facilitating 100% Digitized Transaction 80

5 Food preservation and packing 80

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ACTIVITY 1

SWATCH BHARATH ABHIYAN

1.1 INTRODUCTION:
To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus
on sanitation, the Prime Minister of India had launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on
2nd October 2014. The mission was implemented as a nation-wide campaign/Janan Dolan
which aimed at eliminating open defecation in rural areas during the period 2014 to 2019
through mass scale behaviour change, construction of household-owned and community-
owned toilets and establishing mechanisms for monitoring toilet constructionand usage.
Under the mission, all villages, Gram Panchayats, Districts, States and Union Territories
in India declared themselves "open defecation free" (ODF) by 2 October 2019,the 150th
birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing over 100 million toiletsin rural
India. To ensure that the open defecation free behaviours are sustained, no one is left
behind, and that solid and liquid waste management facilities are accessible, the Mission
is moving towards the next Phase II of SBMG i.e. ODF-Plus. ODF Plus activitiesunder
Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) will reinforce ODF behaviours and focus
on providing interventions for safe management of solid and liquid waste i n villages.

1.2 VISION AND OBJECTIVES

Vision
● The aim of Swachh Bharat Mission (Garmin) phase II is to ensure the open
defecation free behaviours are sustained.

Objectives
● Open defecation free behaviours are sustained and no one is left behind. ● Solid
and liquid waste management facilities are accessible and reinforcing ODF behaviours

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and focus on providing interventions for safe management of solid and liquid waste in
villages

● To encourage cost effective and appropriate technologies for ecologically safe

and sustainable sanitation.
● To develop, wherever required, community managed sanitation systems focusing
on scientific Solid & Liquid Waste Management systems for overall cleanliness in the
rural areas.
● To create significant positive impact on gender and promote social inclusion by
improving sanitation especiallyin marginalized communities.

1.2 IMPACT OF SWACHH BHARAT MISSION ON

ENVIRONMENT

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have committed the international

community to expand international cooperation and capacity building on water and
sanitation related activities and programmes, and also to support local communities in
improving water and sanitation management. Through Goal 6, the countries of the world
have resolved to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation
and hygiene to all by 2030. The aim is to ensure the consumption of safe drinking water,
practice safe sanitation and hygiene, resulting in lower exposure to a contaminated
environment, resulting in lower morbidity and mortality, especiallyamongst children1.

The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched by the Government of India on 2nd
October, 2014 to achieve the vision of “Swachh Bharat'' by 2nd October 2019. The
Swachh Bharat Mission Garmin-SBM (G) endeavours to accelerate rural sanitation
coverage, reduce open defecation and improve management of solid and liquid wastes in
rural areas. The implementation of SBM (G) is the responsibility of the Ministry of
Drinking Water and Sanitation2. The MDWS, while guidelines for ODF verification3
stressed on “safe technology option which aimed at no contamination of surface soil,
groundwater or surface water; excreta management inaccessible to flies or animals; no

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human handling of fresh excreta; and freedom from door and unsightly condition". Over
the past 4 years, over 92 million new households have received access to household
toilets, and by the end of the SBM G programme, all 16.5 million rural households will
have such access. However, the issue is of usage, and thus the goal is to create Open
Defecation Free (ODF) communities and villages, with no one defecating in the open.

The status of ODF villages published on the website of MDWS indicates that as
on 01.04.2019, over 99% of rural HHs in India have toilet access. The declared ODF
villages at all India level accounted for 556,824 spreading over 247,723 Gram
Panchayats, 6,031 Blocks and 616 Districts.

UNICEF in India accords high priority to the provision of safe sanitation and
water services to people in rural areas and has over the past many years aided through
catalytic technical support to MDWS, Government of India and 15 state governments in
the implementation of the various sanitation programmes and since 2014, specifically to
the SBM (G). With the progress of the SBM (G), and declaration of ODF communities,
there is an emerging question on whether the campaign to eliminate open defecation and
create ODF communities is resulting in the decrease in faecal contamination in the
environment. This is also an area of interest to UNICEF as it may reveal the impact of
the sanitation campaign on environmental faecal contamination, which directly affects
children with a role in preventing diarrhoea, enteric enteropathy, malnutrition and
stunting.

1.4 ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED :

We visited kempegowda institute of management studies, nagarabhavi on October

20th,2023 and did plogging. Plogging is a fitness trend that originated in Sweden and
involves picking up litter while jogging or running. The term "plogging" comes fromthe
Swedish word "plocka upp," which means "pick up," and "jogging." Plogging is a great
way to combine fitness and environmental activism. It not only helps to keep our

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environment clean and free of trash, but it also provides a full-body workout by
incorporating squats, lunges, and other exercises while picking up litter.

1.5 OUTCOME OF THE ACTIVITY:

Cleaner environment: By picking up litter, you're helping to keep your local

environment clean and free of trash. This can have a positive impact on the health and
well-being of people, animals, and plants in the area.
Improved cardiovascular fitness: Plogging involves jogging or running while also
performing squatting and lunging movements to pick up litter. This can provide a full-
body workout that can improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance.
Increased calorie burn: Plogging can burn more calories than regular jogging or running
because of the added movements involved in picking up litter.
Enhanced mental health: Spending time in nature and doing physical activity can help
to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Plogging can provide a sense of purpose and
accomplishment, which can improve your mood and overall well-being.
Social connection: Plogging can also be a social activity, allowing you to meet new
people who share your passion for fitness and environmentalism. Participating in
organized plogging events can be a fun way to connect with others and make a positive
impact in your community.

1.6 OBSERVATIONS AND LEARNINGS:

Increased awareness of litter: When you start plogging, you may notice litter in places
you had never noticed it before. This can make you more aware of how much litter is
present in our environment and how it can negatively impact the ecosystem.
Understanding the impact of litter: Seeing the effects of litter on the environment first-
hand can provide a deeper understanding of the negative impact it can have. For example,
you may notice that discarded plastic bottles and bags can harm wildlife or that litter can
clog drains and cause flooding.

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Realizing the importance of community action: Plogging can also highlight the
importance of community action in protecting the environment. By coming together to
clean up litter, you can see how much can be achieved when people work together toward
a common goal.

Developing a sense of responsibility: Plogging can also help you to feel a greater sense
of responsibility for the environment and the impact of your own actions. This can
encourage you to be more mindful of your own waste and to take steps to reduce your
carbon footprint.
Discovering new places: Plogging can take you to new places and allow you to discover
parts of your community that you may not have explored before.

1.7 ATTACHMENTS:

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ACTIVITY 2

DEVELOPING AN EFFICIENT GARBAGE

DISPOSAL SYSTEM

2.1 INTRODUCTION:
Garbage disposal is one of the most significant challenges that society faces today.
The waste we produce every day is causing significant harm to the environment, and
therefore, it has become crucial to find an efficient way to dispose of it. In this regard,
students can play a vital role in developing an effective garbage disposal system that is
both environmentally friendly and sustainable. This report will focus on the social activity
of developing an efficient garbage disposal system by considering an A4 sheet as a page.

2.2 BACKGROUND:

The waste we produce every day comes in different forms, such as plastic, paper,
glass, and organic waste. Most of these materials are non-biodegradable, which means
they take a long time to decompose and can cause severe environmental problems.
Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to dispose of these wastes properly. Students can play
a vital role in this process by developing innovative and sustainable solutions to the
problem.

2.3 DEVELOPING AN EFFICIENT GARBAGE DISPOSAL

SYSTEM:

Students of BIT had developed an efficient garbage disposal system. This

approach involves designing a system that is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally
friendly. The system should be able to handle different types of waste, including plastic,

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paper, glass, and organic waste. In the month of April 2023 our college organized a
Swachh Bharat activity organized by the organization Cognition at Shalini grounds,
Jayanagar, Bangalore. The activity involved cleaning a nearby public park. A group of
25 students from our college participated in the activity. We were divided into small
groups of five, and each group was given a task. The first step in developing an efficient
garbage disposal system is to identify the types of waste that need to be disposed of. Once
the waste types have been identified, students started designing a system that can handle
these wastes effectively. The system should be able to sort and separate the different types
of waste so that they can be disposed of appropriately. Next, we designed a system that
is cost-effective and easy to maintain. The system should be designed in such a way that
it does not require too much maintenance, and the cost of maintenance should be
minimal.Finally, the system should be environmentally friendly. The system should not
emit harmful gases or chemicals that can harm the environment. Instead, the system
should be designed in such a way that it promotes environmental sustainability.

2.4 SOCIAL IMPACT:

The social impact of developing an efficient garbage disposal system is significant. The
system can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which canreduce
the environmental impact of waste disposal. Additionally, the system can help to
promote environmental sustainability, which can have a positive impact on society.

2.5 CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, developing an efficient garbage disposal system is a social activity

that can have a significant impact on society. Engineering students can play a vital role in
this process by developing innovative and sustainable solutions to the problem We
designed a system that is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The social
impact of developing an efficient garbage disposal system is significant, as it can promote
environmental sustainability, create employment opportunities, and reduce the cost of
waste disposal.

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ATTACHMENTS:

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ACTIVITY 3

MAKING PAPER BAGS AND DISTRIBUTING TO

SHOP-KEEPERS

3.1 INTRODUCTION:

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental concerns
globally. Single-use plastic bags, in particular, have devastating effects on ecosystems,
contributing to land and marine pollution, endangering wildlife, and impacting human
health. Recognizing the need for eco-friendly alternatives, efforts are being made to
replace plastic bags with more sustainable options. This report focuses on the distribution
of paper bags to shopkeepers as a crucial step towards reducing plastic usage and
promoting sustainable practices.

3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PLASTIC BAGS:

a) Land and Marine Pollution: Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose,
leading to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and natural environments. They
often end up in water bodies, posing a threat to marine life and disrupting ecosystems.
b) Wildlife and Human Health Risks: Animals can mistake plastic bags for food,
resulting in choking or digestive issues. Additionally, the toxic chemicals present in
plastic bags can contaminate soil and water, ultimately entering the food chain and posing
risks to human health.

3.3 ADVANTAGES OF PAPER BAGS:

a) Biodegradability and Sustainability: Paper bags are made from renewable

resources such as trees, making them biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

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b) Reduced Environmental Impact: Paper bags have a lower carbon footprint

compared to plastic bags. They require less energy to produce and produce fewer
greenhouse gas emissions.
c) Recyclable and Reusable: Paper bags can be easily recycled and reused, further
extending their lifespan and reducing waste generation.
d) Consumer Perception: Many consumers perceive paper bags as a more
sustainable and eco-friendly option, leading to increased brand loyalty and positive public
image for businesses.

3.4 DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY:

a) Collaborating with Shopkeepers: Engage with local businesses and shopkeepers

to educate them about the environmental impact of plastic bags and the benefits of paper
bags.

b) Providing Information and Training: Offer workshops or informational sessions

to highlight the advantages of paper bags, proper bag usage, and the importance of
encouraging customers to adopt reusable bags.

c) Bulk Purchase and Subsidies: Facilitate the procurement of paper bags in bulk at
discounted prices, making them an affordable and attractive alternative for shopkeepers.
d) Customized Branding: Provide shopkeepers with the option to customize paper bags
with their logo or branding, enhancing their visibility and acting as an incentive for their
adoption.

3.5 BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES:

a) Environmental Benefits: Distribution of paper bags to shopkeepers reduces the demand

for plastic bags, thereby minimizing pollution and conserving natural resources. b)
Economic Advantages: By opting for paper bags, shopkeepers can align themselves with

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sustainable practices and cater to the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly
alternatives.
c) Operational Challenges: Shopkeepers may face initial resistance or reluctance due to
concerns about the durability and cost of paper bags. Addressing these concerns through
education and showcasing long-term benefits can help overcome such challenges.

3.6 COLLABORATION AND AWARENESS:

a) Collaboration with Government and NGOs: Foster partnerships with government

agencies and non-governmental organizations to create awareness campaigns and
incentivize the use of paper bags.

b) Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch media campaigns, organize community

events, and utilize social media platforms to raise awareness about the importance o f
reducing plastic usage and promoting paper bags.

c) Consumer Education: Educate the general public about the harmful effects of
plastic bags and encourage them to support businesses that prioritize sustainable
practices.

3.7 CONCLUSION:

Distributing paper bags to shopkeepers as an alternative to plastic bags is a

positive step towards reducing plastic use and promoting sustainable practices. By
educating shopkeepers and consumers about the environmental benefits of paper bags and
ensuring their availability, we can encourage a shift towards more eco-friendly choices.
However, it is important to remember that promoting reusable bags and waste reduction
practices should also be a part of the overall strategy to minimize the environmental
impact of packaging. Together, these efforts can contribute to a cleaner and greener
future.

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ATTACHMENTS:

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ACTIVITY 4

FACILITATING 100% DIGITIZED

TRANSACTION
4.1 INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this report is to examine the benefits and challenges of facilitating
100% digitized transactions for businesses and consumers. With the increasing reliance
on digital technologies, transitioning from traditional cash-based transactions to fully
digitized methods has the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct business and
interact with customers.

4.2 BENEFITS OF DIGITIZED TRANSACTIONS

1. Enhanced Efficiency: Digitized transactions streamline the payment process,

eliminating the need for physical cash handling and reducing the time and effort required
for both customers and shopkeepers. Transactions can be completed quickly and
seamlessly, improving overall operational efficiency.

2. Increased Security: Digital payment systems offer enhanced security features,

such as encryption and authentication protocols, which provide a secure environment for
financial transactions. This reduces the risks associated with cash handling, such as theft
or counterfeit currency.

3. Improved Customer Experience: Digital transactions offer convenience and

flexibility to customers. With options like mobile payments, online transfers, and digital
wallets, customers can make payments anytime, anywhere, without the need for physical
currency. This enhances the overall customer experience and satisfaction.
4. Enhanced Record-Keeping: Digitized transactions generate digital records that
can be easily stored, accessed, and analyzed. This enables businesses to have accurate

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and comprehensive transaction data for financial reporting, inventory management, and
customer analysis.

5. Cost Savings: Transitioning to digitized transactions can reduce costs associated

with cash handling, including cash counting, transportation, and security measures.
Additionally, digital payment systems may offer lower transaction fees compared to
traditional payment methods, providing cost savings for businesses.

4.3 CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

1. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Implementing 100% digitized transactions

requires robust and reliable technological infrastructure, including internet connectivity,
payment gateways, and digital devices. In areas with limited access to technology or
unstable internet connections, achieving full digitization may pose challenges.

2. Consumer Adoption and Education: Transitioning from cash-based transactions

to digital payments may require efforts to educate and encourage consumer adoption.
Some consumers may be hesitant or unfamiliar with digital payment methods,
necessitating awareness campaigns and training programs to promote acceptance and
usage.

3. Security and Privacy Concerns: With the digitization of transactions, the risk of
cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and identity theft increases. Businesses must
implement robust security measures, comply with data protection regulations, and
educate customers on secure digital transaction practices to mitigate these risks.

4. Inclusivity and Accessibility: While digitized transactions offer convenience, it

is essential to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all consumers, including those
without access to smartphones or digital devices. Alternative payment options or
mechanisms should be considered to cater to diverse customer needs.

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4.4 RESULTS AND FINDINGS:

I would like to take part in the survey

The first question was like whether the user like to participate in the survey or
not, as we see from the above pie chart 81.3% of the users liked to participate in the
survey.

Education of the users accepted to participate

When the education was asked for the users who like to participate in the survey
most of them preferred not to say their education qualification.
Gender of the user?

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The above question is to ask the gender of the users, here it’s a mix of both male
and female.

Question:- Do you have smart phone?

The above question was to check if the users are a smart phone, from the above
pie chart we can see most of them had a smart phone, and the users who do not have a
smart phone gave the reasons like lack of financial aid, and some said not required.
Question: - Which mode of transaction?

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The next question was like which mode of transaction does the user prefer for, as
the analytic there is equal for both cash and online

Question: - What is the reason to shift to the online mode of transactions?

The next question was like what made then to shift from cash to online, most of
them say that no need to give change (33%), and even for the customer comfortless
(16%)
Question: - How many of your customers prefer online payments?

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The next question is how many of customers prefer online payment, from the
analytics say that more than 33% prefer online payment, still there is need for
transaction to be taken place

Question: - Do the users face any problems during online payments?

The next question if there are any problems during payment, most of them setno.

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4.5 CONCLUSION:

Facilitating 100% digitized transactions offers numerous benefits, including

increased efficiency, enhanced security, improved customer experience, better
recordkeeping, and cost savings. However, challenges such as infrastructure
requirements, consumer adoption, security concerns, and inclusivity need to be addressed
to ensure a smooth transition. Businesses and policymakers should work together to create
an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of digital payment systems while
ensuring the accessibility and security of transactions. With careful planning and
implementation, the shift towards 100% digitized transactions has the potential to
revolutionize the way we conduct business and drive economic growth in a digital age.

4.6 ATTACHMENTS:

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WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

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ACTIVITY 5

FOOD PRESERVATION AND PACKAGING

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Hunger during the COVID-19 Pandemic

An increasing number of countries are facing growing levels of acute food insecurity,
reversing years of development gains.
Even before COVID-19 reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains, chronic and
acute hunger were on the rise due to various factors including conflict, socio
economic conditions, natural hazards, climate change and pests.
COVID-19 impacts have led to severe and widespread increases in global food
insecurity, affecting vulnerable households in almost every country, with impacts
expected to continue through 2021 and into 2022.
The pandemic has led to increase in global food insecurity, affecting vulnerable
households in almost every country.
It has exacerbated existing inequalities, pushing millions of people into the vicious
cycles of economic stagnation, loss of livelihood and worsening food insecurity.
The World Bank estimates that 71 million people will be pushed into extreme
poverty across the globe as a result of the pandemic.
The World Food Programme estimates that an additional 130 million people could
fall into the category of “food insecure” over and above the 820 million who were
classified as such by the 2019 State of Food Insecurity in the World Report.
As the deadly second wave ravages India, individual states have imposed lockdowns
and strict restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
During the first phase, the plight and misery of the migrant workers and other
vulnerable communities was laid bare.
But this time, the health crisis has overwhelmed the existing livelihood and hunger
crisis which still looms large in most of our towns and villages.

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Food Preservation Introduction

Food preservation can be defined as the science that deals with the process of
prevention of decay or spoilage of food thus, allowing it to be stored in a fit condition
for future use.
In other words, food preservation is the process in which the perishable food
materials are given a suitable physical or chemical treatment to prevent their wastage
or spoilage and to retain their nutritive value for long periods.

5.2 A solution to Hunger?

There would be roughly 33 per cent more mouths to feed by the year 2050, say FAO
estimates. But even with the current food production levels, we all know that in
practice, it is impossible to continue to produce ever-increasing amounts of food to
feed this burgeoning global population. This scenario is compounded by the fact that
while people need a regular and sustainable supply of food through the year, crops
grow only seasonally. These two situations underscore our efforts to achieve global
food security.
However, the mere production of food is not the only path to attaining food security.
Reducing wastage through appropriate food preservation and storage solutions is
critical too, as it ensures that the available food lasts over a longer period of time and
is consumed beyond the area of production.
This is where utilizing the right kind of food storage solutions makes all the
difference.
Consider for example, the consequences of not having any system of storage. In
northwest Cameroon, women potato farmers produced only as much potatoes as they
could market before the onset of monsoons.
Once the monsoons set in, there would be no transport to take the produce to the
market; and they were forced to leave any surplus to rot. On the other hand, if good
storage facilities are available, these losses can be reduced, which automatically
increases the amount of food available for consumption.

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Another benefit is that it increases the real income of the farmers, while also
balancing
out the surplus-scarcity cycle. This way, storage solutions greatly support food
security. This turns storage solutions into as important an agricultural application as
any other aspect. The statistics are quite startling, in fact. An FAO (2004) report says
that a third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted across the
global food system.
And yet, beyond these reports and surveys, there are no local records of the quantity
of food that is lost – there are just random anecdotes from farmers. And while food
security is affected by both food losses and food wastage, there’s a subtle difference
between these two concepts. Post-harvest food loss relates to the quantitative food
loss along the food supply chain right from harvest until consumption. Food waste,
on the other hand, is the loss of edible food due to human action or inaction. Another
barrier to attaining food security is that in the past 30 years, 95% investment with
regard to food science research has gone into increasing food productivity, and just
5% towards the reduction of food losses. There needs to be greater balance in the
investments between these two aspects. In the meantime, storage solutions that are
already available need to be revived and perhaps re-invented.
Storage Solutions
There are many methods of storage that have been practiced traditionally by farmers.
In some regions where old methods are dying, they need to be revived, and in other
places, the scale of storage must be increased. In this context, preservation and
processing are also to be understood as methods of storage that ultimately contribute
to global food security. Some of these storage methods are discussed below.
On farm storage: Farmers often have to store much of their surplus on the farm itself
over several months. For this, the farmers construct traditional granaries, often
entirely out of locally available material. In other regions, clay jars or silos are built.
In some countries, the practice of underground storage is also followed. In some
cases, these storage containers are also treated by coating or sprinkling them with
certain plant extracts that help ward off pests.
Warehouse Storage:

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A warehouse is a place where large amounts of grain or agricultural produce can be

stored; and such warehouses are generally owned and operated by agriculture
produce marketing corporations.
To store sufficient quantities for future use, additional storage infrastructure needs to
be developed. Warehouse services require high upfront capital expenditure, a longer
gestation period and have issues of increasing land acquisition cost and labour
shortages.
In many countries, warehouse storage facilities are government-owned, but
currently private participation is being invited, in order to allow for other players
also to meet the objective of food security.

5.3 SUMMARY
Kitchens

The Akshaya Patra Foundation operates in 33 kitchens across 12 States in India.

Centralised kitchens are large kitchen units that have the capacity to typically cook
up to 100,000 meals.
These kitchens serve a set of schools located around the unit. They are automated
and thus ensure hygiene during the cooking processes.
On the other hand, in locations where factors like difficult geographical terrain and
improper road connectivity do not support the construction of large infrastructure,
the decentralised kitchen format is the ideal solution.
These kitchens are run by the women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the guidance
and supervision of Akshaya Patra’s kitchen process and operations module.
Cooking in the centralised units begins in the early morning. All kitchens run by the
organisation follow a scheduled menu. All the centralised kitchens are equipped with
cauldrons, trolleys, rice chutes, dal/sambar tanks, cutting boards, knives and other
similar equipment that are sanitised before usage.
The North Indian kitchens are equipped with rice cauldrons and dal cauldrons. Each
rice cauldron has a capacity of at least 500 litres; and each dal cauldron has the
capacity to cook 1200 litres to 3000 litres of dal.

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As roti is an integral part of the North Indian menu, the kitchens are equipped with
roti making machines, which have the capacity to roll out up to 200,000 rotis from
6000 kgs of wheat flour.
The South Indian kitchens are equipped with rice cauldrons and sambar cauldrons.
Each rice cauldron has a capacity of at least 500 litres; each sambar cauldron has the
capacity to cook 1200 litres to 3000 litres of sambar. All the vessels are of stainless
steel 304 food grade material.
Hygiene

Every kitchen has a set schedule, which it adheres to so that food is delivered on
time, every school day. Every day begins with the important activity of kitting of
raw materials issued for production ending with preprocessing of vegetables and
other housekeeping activities to ensure that the kitchen is primed for the next day’s
preparation
At Akshaya Patra kitchens, measures such as maintaining personal hygiene, quality
check during procurement of raw materials, quality maintenance during storage of
raw materials, quality and safety during cooking, safety measures during
transportation and delivery, postdelivery quality check processes like audits and
feedbacks are mandatory
Nutrition
Akshaya Patra through its healthy and nutritious meals, attempts to address twin
issues of hunger and malnutrition for its beneficiaries, every school day. The
Foundation’s Mid-Day Meal Programme is strictly in compliance with the
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for children, i.e., 450 calories and 12g
protein for children studying in class I – V and 700 calories and 20g protein for
children in class VI – VIII.
The menu is planned in such a manner that children automatically get their daily
intake of food items which are imperative for increasing nutritional levels, such as,
fresh vegetables, dairy products, cereals, beans, legumes and oils imperative for
increasing nutritional levels. A variety of seasonal vegetables

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Supply Chain Management

Each facet of the supply chain management is encompassed in the folds of the
Quality Management System (QMS) - right from selection of vendors to the cooking
process to the delivery of the meals to schools. Supplier Quality Management System
(SQMS) is implemented to ensure the quality of suppliers is at par with the set
standards, and only those suppliers are partnered with for the programme.
This also verifies that quality norms set by the governing body of Mid-Day Meal
Scheme are observed.

From Farms to Schools

Akshaya Patra’s Central Strategic Sourcing(CSS) team is always seeking to connect
with Farmer consolidators or millers to source the raw materials used for cooking at
various kitchens.
This is done, primarily, to promote agriculture while ensuring quality and low cost.
The CSS ensures that the procurement is done at the first point of Finished Goods
Food Chain, thus eliminating dependency on middle-man. Ingredients such as tur
dal, Chana dal, desi Chana, mung dal, white labia etc are procured from the local
farmer collectives closest to the kitchen locations.
Akshaya Patra has advanced a sustainable food system that aids in providing fresh,
healthy and nutritious food in collaboration with small-scale farmers or farming
communities that build on their agro-ecological knowledge.

5.4 CONCLUSION

Cutting food loss and waste reduces poverty and hunger and fights climate change.
In terms of climate change, the damage will be reduced taking into account that
nowadays, food loss and waste is responsible for about 7% of global greenhouse gas

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(GHG) emissions and nearly 30% of the world’s agricultural land is currently
occupied to produce food that is ultimately never consumed, just to name a few
examples.
In light of the pandemic’s effects on the food and agricultural sector, prompt
measures are needed to ensure that food supply chains are kept alive to mitigate the
risk of large shocks that have a considerable impact on everybody, especially on the
poor and the most vulnerable. Also, over the coming decades, a changing climate,
growing global population, rising food prices, and environmental stressors will have
significant yet uncertain impacts on food security
. Adaptation strategies and policy responses to global change, including options for
handling water allocation, land use patterns, food trade, postharvest food processing,
and food prices and safety are urgently required to prevent

5.5 ATTACHMENTS:

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