CUMIN HARVESTER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a specialized cumin harvester designed to overcome the challenges associated with harvesting delicate cumin crops, which are highly susceptible to shattering. The harvester integrates several innovative components to enhance efficiency and minimize crop loss. Key features include a double-acting, double-knife cutter bar designed to operate with minimal vibrations, and a chain conveyor-type reel that ensures stable cut plant conveyance to a collection box, significantly reducing shattering losses. The harvester is equipped with a motorized propelling unit, alleviating the physical strain associated with manual operation, particularly in uneven terrains. The control panel offers comprehensive management of the harvester's functions, featuring DC switches, speed adjustment potentiometers, digital monitoring meters, and auxiliary controls for enhanced operational flexibility. Comprehensive evaluation in both laboratory and field conditions identified optimal settings that resulted in minimal cutter bar loss ( 4.51 %), conveying loss (2.20%), and shattering loss (3.01 %). The harvester achieves an average field capacity of 0.06 ha/h and a field efficiency of6 I .36%. With an operating cost of'!'2251.00 per hectare and a machine price of '(55,000, the harvester demonstrates economic viability with a break-even point of 75.08 hours per year and a payback period of 2.26 years. This invention marks a significant advancement in the mechanization of cumin harvesting, offering a robust solution to improve .)( :P4 crop yield and reduce operational costs.

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