This Indian’s Invention Converts Kitchen Waste Into Cooking Gas And Fertiliser​

The second you step out of Mumbai airport, you are hit by a scent that is characteristic to the city and under no circumstances would be referred to as being pleasant. Some attribute the odour of dried fish, others say it’s a result of the heaps of rotting garbage, and some just heave sighs of frustration and carry on with life. Kabir Udeshi’s response was unlike anyone else’s. One day, while strolling through Shivaji Park, Udeshi encountered this unpleasant odour wafting from an open garbage dump somewhere in the vicinity. This got him thinking and eventually became the key aspects that inspired Udeshi’s invention dedko.

Dedko is a machine that converts kitchen waste into cooking gas and fertiliser. The name dedko comes from the Gujarati word for frog. The gas stored in the machine makes it expand just like a frog’s throat, hence, the name. Udeshi is a mechanical engineer with a PhD from the University of Michigan, an currently heads his company Flycatcher Technologies. “I failed multiple times using conventional methods. But after two-three trials, I developed the model. My criterion was that it should be easy enough for my mother to use. Now, I am in the process of improving the digester,” said Udeshi while speaking with DNA about dedko.

But how exactly does dedko work? The waste material is first ground to a paste, which breaks the materials down and makes them easier to process. The pulp is then put into the machine and sealed. Another pipe is used to connect the machine to a balloon like structure. This structure is used to store the gas produced by the machine, it is also connected to a stove an can be readily used for cooking or heating purposes. The machine also produces liquid fertiliser, which too can be readily used.

“About 95 per cent of my kitchen waste gets processed in it. It has reduced my LPG consumption by 30 per cent. It requires negligible maintenance. And the liquid by-product is an excellent tonic for plants,” said Sumeet Ahuja, who uses dedko on a regular basis.

At present, Udeshi is developing dedko’s current model to make a bigger version of the digester. Said to be called Rhino, this advanced version will be large enough to cater to societies, hotels and other such establishments that generate excess waste. It will be able to process large quantities of waste at a time an therefore, be able to produce more gas and fertiliser as well.