2024, Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part B

In India, paddy and wheat are the primary crops, with the country ranking first globally in cultivated area and second in paddy and wheat production. The dwindling agricultural labour force, which declined from 54.6% in 2011-12 to 45.5% in 2021-22, poses a significant challenge, especially during the labour-intensive harvesting season. Harvesting of crops is a critical agricultural operation requiring significant labour, and during the harvesting season, the availability and cost of labour pose serious challenges. Labor shortages and unpredictable weather conditions can lead to substantial losses for farmers. Consequently, adopting mechanical methods to ensure timely harvesting operations is essential.

In recent years, the use of mechanical harvesting devices has increased. However, machines like combine harvesters are very expensive, making them unaffordable for most small and marginal farmers. Although some manually operated reapers have been developed, they have not gained popularity due to the limitations of manual power, such as insufficient power for cutting and conveying crops and difficulties in transporting the machine. Combine harvesters are also in use for this purpose but these machines consume diesel fuel. Price of fossil fuels is hiking day by day. Thus, to ensure efficient and timely harvesting operation walk behind type battery powered reaper was developed, which is very simple in construction, low maintenance and easy to maintain. This study addresses the need for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly harvesting solution tailored for small and marginal farmers. A self-propelled, battery-powered reaper was developed to bridge the gap between manual sickles and expensive mechanical harvesters. This reaper, powered by a 900 W DC motor and four 55 Ah, 12V batteries, was designed to cut and convey paddy and wheat crops efficiently. The reaper's main components include a cutter blade, battery, DC motor, chain conveyor, ground wheel, handle, and transmission system. The weight of the developed reaper with the battery was 121 kg. It was able to cut four rows of paddy and wheat crop placed at 22.5 cm apart.