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SIH26110HardwareAgriculture, FoodTech & Rural Development
₹1,50,000 Prize (₹75k Joint)
•
Deadline: 20 September 2026
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Submitted Ideas: 0/500

Development of a Low-Cost Light-weight Milk Chilling Can for Small-Scale Dairy Farmers

Ministry / Organization: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Department: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
SIH Official PortalDataset Repository
Technical Complexity
8/10
Dataset Accessibility
7/10
36h Hackathon Viability
9/10
Step 0 • Zero-Jargon Layman Summary

“Small dairy farmers lose money because milk spoils before it reaches collection centers due to heat. You need to build a lightweight, affordable, and portable milk container that keeps milk cold for 6-12 hours without needing electricity.”

The DecodeX PS Decoder™

Deconstructed Problem Blueprint

Step 1

WHAT TO BUILD?

A hardware-centric, passive-cooling storage container (30-40L) utilizing advanced insulation and phase-change materials.

Step 2

WHO IS IT FOR?

Small-scale rural dairy farmers, village-level milk collection centers, and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Step 3

WHY DOES IT EXIST?

Lack of reliable electricity and expensive infrastructure in hilly/remote regions causes rapid bacterial growth in milk, leading to massive economic loss for farmers.

Step 4

INPUT → PROCESS → OUTPUT ARCHITECTURE PIPELINE

01 • Inputs & Telemetry

Ambient temperature, milk initial temperature, thermal conductivity of materials, phase change material (PCM) properties.

02 • Processing & AI Core

Thermodynamic heat transfer modeling, structural stress analysis, material selection for food-grade safety, and passive cooling cycle optimization.

03 • Actionable Deliverables

A physical prototype of a 30-40L chilling can, temperature log data (if sensor included), and a cost-benefit analysis report.

Step 5

CONSTRAINTS

  • Must be lightweight for manual handling
  • Must maintain 4°C-8°C for 6-12 hours
  • Must be food-grade and easy to sanitize
  • Zero reliance on active electrical power
  • Low manufacturing cost for rural adoption
Step 6

JURY METRICS

  • Thermal insulation efficiency (heat gain rate)
  • Total weight of the empty container
  • Manufacturing cost per unit
  • Durability under rough transport conditions
  • Ease of cleaning/hygiene compliance
Step 7

CORE BOTTLENECK

Balancing the trade-off between insulation thickness (which adds weight/bulk) and the required cooling duration (6-12 hours) while keeping the cost low.

Why You Should Choose This PS (Pros)

  • Direct social impact with clear, measurable outcomes
  • Strong hardware-focused project that stands out in a software-heavy hackathon
  • High potential for government pilot programs if the prototype is successful

Challenges & Risks to Watch (Cons)

  • Hardware prototyping is expensive and time-consuming
  • Shipping physical prototypes to the venue can be logistically challenging
  • Requires mechanical engineering knowledge beyond standard coding skills
Hackathon Blueprint

Recommended Tech Stack & Grand Finale Features

Frontend & Mobile
React.js for the dashboard (if including IoT monitoring)
Backend & APIs
Python for thermal simulation modeling
AI / ML & Models
None required (Focus on CAD/Simulation)
Database & Cloud
Excel/CSV for thermal test data

Killer Features to Impress the SIH Jury

Modular PCM cartridges that can be swapped or recharged in a freezer
Integrated low-cost thermochromic paint that changes color if the milk exceeds 8°C
Ergonomic 'balanced-weight' handle design for hilly terrain transport
QR-code based traceability for milk batch tracking at the collection center
View Official SIH 2026 Portal Raw Text
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•Background Milk is a highly perishable agricultural product that begins to deteriorate rapidly after milking due to bacterial growth and enzymatic activity. ln many rural and remote dairy-producing regions, particularly Hilly and North Eastern Regions, farmers lack access to bulk milk cooling facilities and reliable electricity. As a result, milk often remains at ambient temperatures for several hours before reaching collection centers, leading to quality degradation, reduced shelf life and economic losses. Available solutions are expensive, relatively heavy and low volume storage cans, making them uneconomical for use or during transportation.
•Description The proposed problem aims to develop a low-cost, lightweight milk chilling can capable of maintaining milk at safe storage temperatures during collection and transportation. The can should be manufactured using food-grade lightweight materials such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), aluminum alloys or composite materials while ensuring structural strength and hygiene standards.The design should incorporate an insulated double-wall structure with materials such as polyurethane foam (PUF) or other cost-effective insulating materials to minimize heat transfer.

The chilling mechanism may utilize reusable ice packs, phase change materials (PCM), or passive cooling technologies that do not require continuous electrical power. The system should be capable of maintaining milk temperatures between 4°C and 8°C for several hours under typical rural environmental conditions.The solution should also consider ease of handling, cleaning, transportation and durability.Optional features such as a temperature monitoring indicator, leak-proof lid and ergonomic handles may be included to improve usability. The product should be affordable enough for adoption by small and marginal dairy farmers and suitable for village-level milk collection systems/centres.

•Expected Solution A lightweight, insulated milk chilling can with a capacity of 30-40 litres that can maintain milk at safe temperatures for at least 6-12 hours without external power supply. The developed solution should reduce milk spoilage, improve milk quality during transportation, lower handling effort due lo reduced weight and cost significantly less than conventional insulated stainless-steel chilling containers. The final prototype should be durable, food-safe, easy to manufacture and suitable for widespread deployment in rural dairy supply chains.