Design and Field Evaluation of a Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic ( GFRP ) Based Maize Cob Dryer With Humidity Responsive Airflow Control

ABSTRACT Design and field evaluation of a glass fiber‐reinforced plastic (GFRP) maize cob dryer with an Arduino‐based humidity‐responsive airflow control system is presented. The portable, 1‐t capacity dryer uses a perforated GFRP bed, a transparent polyethylene roof for passive solar heating, and an automated fan to maintain a drier chamber microclimate. Field trials during the post‐monsoon Kharif period showed drying of intact cobs from ~36% to ~17% (w.b.) within 8–9 days, and no visible fungal colonies were detected in dried samples. Structural assessment demonstrated safe operation of the GFRP bed under full load. Compared with typical open‐sun drying durations reported in the literature for the same season, the system provides a shorter and more controlled drying period (literature‐based comparison). The dryer offers a low‐energy, portable option to reduce weather‐related drying risks and postharvest losses for smallholder farmers.