Himalayan News Service

Wankaner (Gujarat), July 8:

For all those who dream of owning a refrigerator but cannot afford it due to its high cost and the electricity bills it runs up, here comes a down to earth solution. After two years of experimenting, Mansukhbhai Prajapati, a potter from Rajkot district, 200 km from the state’s principal city of Ahmedabad, has designed a refrigerator that not only comes at an affordable price — but also runs without electricity. Made entirely from clay, the refrigerator keeps water cool as also fruits, vegetables and milk fresh for days - and retains their original taste, too, Prajapati claims. Christened ‘Mitti Cool’, the refrigerator has two large water tanks at the top and bottom that cool the sides in the same manner as clay pots, or ‘matkas’, keep water cool in summer.

The upper portion of the refrigerator can store about 20 litres of water, while the bottom cabinet has separate space for storing fruits and vegetables. The natural cooling process inside the refrigerator can keep vegetables and fruits fresh for around seven days, while milk can be preserved for three days, the inventor says. “Though fridge has now become one of the basic requirements, its high cost prevents poor and lower middle class people from buying the product,” Prajapati said.