Viability of raisin production by natural drying methods

Abstract

The present study analyses the technical and economic viability of raisin production by natural drying methods. The experiment was performed on a farm in a semiarid region, using two systems: sun drying and shade drying. Agriculture is very dynamic and undergoes constant changes, both technologically and economically, and farmers must be informed to make decisions. Grape drying for raisin production stands out in this context as a low-cost, profitable alternative for growers. In this study, we employed in the farm facilities a costing system based on the use of surplus of table grape production as raw material. Then, we observed quality attributes of the final product that meet current legislation (moisture content below 25%), and drying parameters within the literature range (drying time of 14 days for sun drying and 15 days for shade drying). Economic indices indicated the viability of the venture, with NPV equal to US$ 5,264.38 and 4,363.80, IRR equal to 208.88 and 153.93%, and discounted payback of 0.51 and 0.69 years for sun and shade drying, respectively.