Development of an Electric Power Weeder for Sustainable Agriculture

A power weeder is an agricultural machine used to eliminate unwanted weeds that hinder crop growth. Traditional models rely on internal combustion (IC) engines, which cause pollution, vibrations, and high maintenance costs. To overcome these issues, an electric weeder has been developed, operating on battery power as a sustainable alternative. Mechanical weeding is preferred over chemical and manual methods due to its effectiveness. The electric weeder replaces the IC engine with a motor and battery, reducing environmental impact and maintenance costs. Its system includes a frame, motor, battery, controller, and blades, designed based on commercially available weeders. Structural integrity is analyzed through stress, strain, and deformation tests. Results show that the electric weeder is efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and user-friendly. It successfully reduces pollution and vibration while maintaining high performance, making it a viable replacement for traditional IC-engine-powered weeders.

Autorentext
P. Naveen Kishore, an Assistant Professor at Matrusri Engineering College, Hyderabad, has 15 years of experience. He holds an M.Tech from JNTUH and is pursuing a Ph.D. from JNTUK. With 10 research papers, three patents, and extensive mentoring, he actively contributes to academia, research, and social initiatives as an NSS Program Officer.