The solar dryer was designed and fabricated in conformity with the atmospheric conditions of Kashmir valley. The experimental studies titled as “ Development of a light weight solar dryer and optimization of drying process for bottle gourd ” were conducted at the Sher-e –Kashmir University of Agricultural science and Technology , Shalimar, Srinagar J&K , in the northern part of India, during summer season of 2023. The solar dryer consists of drying chamber, drying tray, air inlet , exhaust fan , temperature humidity controller module, solar panel, battery and solar charge controller. This dryer harnesses solar energy for the drying process and holds substantial promise for drying fruits, vegetables , herbs with medicinal properties and a variety of other products. This dryer has dimension of( length=36˝ , width=24˝, front height=30˝, back height 40˝ and a slope for attaining maximum sunlight intensity. This dryer has an average capacity of 4-5kg of the food product for drying. Drying agricultural products in regulated drying chambers is a sanitary method that results in improved colour and avoids exposure to direct sunlight.