HortCRSP

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The goal of the Horticulture Collaborative Research Support Program (HortCRSP), funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is to realize the opportunity that horticultural development offers of meeting the food needs and improving nutrition and human health in the developing world, while providing opportunities for diversification of income and consequent economic and social advancement of the rural poor and particularly women. HortCRSP seeks to increase food security and improve the quality of life of people in developing countries while bringing an international focus to the research, teaching, and extension efforts of U.S. institutions. See http://hortcrsp.ucdavis.edu/ for more information.

In February 2010 for one year and again in September 2011 for three years, HortCRSP awarded funds to a consortium of researchers to test, develop and implement new technology for drying and storing horticultural seeds, particularly in humid climates. The project focuses on the application of Drying Beads®, a zeolite-based desiccant, to dry seeds and other horticultural commodities. With collaborators in Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, India, Thailand, and USA, the project is working with local seed and agricultural networks to introduce this novel seed drying technology to small farmers and demonstrate its value in preserving seed quality without the need for special temperature or humidity controlled environments. This website provides more information about the technology.

Rhino Research Group

The Rhino Research Group continuously aims at providing seed technologies that have been proven to work worldwide through our research and development. The Rhino Research Drying Beads® is one on the technologies that we take pride in and believe that it will revolutionize the way we dry and store seeds.

The MobiDry® method using the Drying Beads technology is a fast and easy way for drying the seeds and, if stored properly, prolongs the shelf life of seeds. The MobiDry® system not only increases the quality of the dried and stored seeds, but this also in a very efficient and cost-effective way.

Rhino Research Group will provide necessary technical, collaborative and other support to carry out the all activities related to Drying beads technology. Mr. Johan Van Asbrouck  (Managing Director of Rhino Research Group) who is the developer of improved drying beads specifically for seed drying and also the technology provider partner for HORT CRSP project on seed drying and storage will act as contact person on behalf of Rhino Research Group, Thailand.