International Journal of Agricultural Engineering

M. K. Ghosal ¹, D. Behera ², A. K. Mohapatra ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Farm Machinery and Power, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar Odisha, IN
2 AICRP on Utilization of Animal Energy, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology,Bhubaneswar Odisha, IN

Abstract

Use of bullocks for agricultural work is limited to tillage, sowing and transportation. The total annual use of bullocks in the state of Odisha is less than 300 hours. But the potential use of bullocks in a year is nearly 800 hours. To enhance the utilization of bullock in the state, there is the need of using bullock power operated stationary machines requiring around 1 hp (0.8 kW) power for doing various post harvest operations like paddy threshing, paddy winnowing, chaff cutting, sugarcane crushing, groundnut decortications, oil expelling, pulse milling and dehusking etc. This would ultimately reduce the economic burden of owning a pair of bullocks. With this aim, a study was conducted for operating a groundnut decorticator cum cleaner with the help of a rotary gear complex, installed in the premises of College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (CAET), Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The experiment was conducted continuously for 3 hours with the measurement of physiological responses like respiration rate, heart rate, body temperature etc. of the medium sized non-descript breed of bullocks (pair weight of bullocks 620 kg) of Odisha at half an hour interval and calculation of fatigue score to know their comfortable working without inflicting any health hazards. The bullocks were observed to be loaded with 11.29 % of their body weight in operating the groundnut decorticator cum cleaner and their speed was also measured. The draft and power delivered by the pair of bullocks were as well calculated. The groundnut decorticator cum cleaner was run with a pair of bullocks in rotary mode of operation and two persons were employed for the purpose. The output capacity of groundnut decorticator in rotary mode was observed to be 49 kg per hour as against 60 kg/h in electrically operated motor. The costs of operation in rotary mode and in electrically operated motor were calculated to be Rs. 118.40/quintal and Rs. 63.50/quintal, respectively.

Keywords

Bullock Power, Groundnut Decorticator, Physiological Responses of Bullock, Fatigue Score

Full Text

     

M. K. Ghosal ¹, D. Behera ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Farm Machinery and Power, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar Odisha, IN

Abstract

The present utilization of draught animals for agricultural operations is declining mainly due to drudgery involved in the use of animal operated traditional tools and implements. The younger generations show resistance to walk behind the animals for field operations and instead prefer tractor/mechanical powered implements for cultivation. However, considering the merits of animal based farming system, the younger generation need to be educated and motivated for improved use of work animals including the byproduct utilization for higher economics. Improved riding type cultivation equipment for multiple cropping, single/paired animal carting, pack load transport, rotary mode operation for agro processing equipments, electricity generation, water lifting and by-product utilization for organic farming are the pertinent avenues to increase the potential use of animal power which would ultimately reduce the demand for additional electrical and mechanical power in agricultural farming system resulting into savings of fossil fuels and electricity for other requirements. Use of animal energy in Indian agriculture may remain as a continuing priority for small farms due to prevailing land holding pattern, socio-economic condition of farmers and ecological compulsions.

Keywords

Agricultural Mechanization, Draft Animal Power, Animal Based Farming

Full Text

     

D. K. Mohanty ¹, D. Behera ², M. Mahapatra ²

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shamakhunta (Orissa), IN
2 Department of Farm Machinery and Power, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneshwar (Orissa), IN

Abstract

Studies were conducted on a two row semi-automatic vegetable transplanter to determine the optimum funnel side slope angle in the feeding and metering mechanism at different seedling ages and different types of seedlings. The optimum side slope of the funnel has been decided by laboratory experimentation so that not a single seedling sticks to the funnel side after being dropped from the finger tray of the feeding mechanism. The experiments have been designed as a three Factors Complete Randomized Design with four replications. It was found that, at funnel side slope angle of less than 75° with the horizontal, the per cent of seedlings slipped into the drop tube decreased as the length of seedlings increased. At side angle of funnel of 75° and more, 100 per cent seedlings were slipped into the drop tube irrespective of crop and size of seedlings. Behaviours of different crops were found to be different below 75°. The crop with less foliar development such as chilli slipped more easily than other crops having more foliar development such as brinjal. So a funnel side slope angle of 75° has been taken as optimum to ensure cent per cent slippage of seedling from side of the funnel to the dropping tube for all crops under study.

Keywords

Furrow Opener, Funnel, Finger Trays, Dropping Tube, Slope Angle.

Full Text