Mechanical properties and cutting force on sugarcane stalk

India is the fourth largest exporter of sugar in the world. Maharashtra and the adjoining area of Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh record higher sugar recoveries. The harvesting of sugarcane is very difficult and hard, and double labours are required. The operation is time consuming and involves drudgery also. Generally manual harvesting involves slicing and tearing actions that result in plant structure failure due to compression, tension and shear. Also it will be the solution for labor problem. Making the harvesting of sugarcane mechanized is a need of a day which will reduce the drudgery and save time, hence the study was carried out. The cutting mechanism developed for harvesting of sugarcane at two stages i.e. stalk at lower section and toppings simultaneously will save the time required for two stage harvesting of sugarcane and will reduce the drudgery involved in harvesting operations.

Autorentext

Author is associated with the Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth agricultural university.