Design and Development of Pepper Harvester
A. Subashini *
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal Dist., Tamilnadu, India.
M. Bhuvaneswari
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal Dist., Tamilnadu, India.
M. Chandru
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal Dist., Tamilnadu, India.
M. Sudharsun
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal Dist., Tamilnadu, India.
S. Vignesh
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal Dist., Tamilnadu, India.
P. Yogaraj
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal Dist., Tamilnadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This project presents a cost-effective and efficient mechanical solution for the automated harvesting and threshing of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). The system integrates a 12V DC motor with worm-spur gear transmission that drives counter-rotating rubber rollers for gentle on-plant threshing. The portable design incorporates a telescopic pole for extended reach, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)-based speed control for operational flexibility, and an integrated collection system. Field testing demonstrates 86% harvesting efficiency with only 0.8% berry damage, significantly outperforming traditional manual methods. The harvester reduces labour requirements by 60% and operational costs by 66% per acre, while maintaining a field capacity of 8 kg/hour. This innovation provides small-scale farmers with an affordable, sustainable solution that enhances productivity while maintaining premium berry quality.
Keywords: Agricultural mechanization, portable harvester, roller-based threshing system, small-scale farming, cost-effective technology