Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

This study focuses on the optimisation of a solar-powered cleaning-cum-sieving machine for vegetable seed processing, specifically targeting chilli seeds. The machine operates on the principle of vibration generated by an eccentric rotating mass, which facilitates the separation of impurities based on size. It is designed with a cylindrical (SS 316) frame with overall dimensions of 490 × 464 mm (H × W) and is powered by solar energy. The machine’s operational parameters, including motor speed (1900 rpm, 2100 rpm, 2300 rpm), feed rate (500 g, 750 g, 1000 g), and eccentric weight (20 g, 22.5 g, 25 g), were optimised to achieve the best performance. The optimal conditions were found to be a motor speed of 2300 rpm, a feed rate of 522 g, and an eccentric weight of 23 g. These conditions resulted in a cleaning efficiency of 98.15%, a capacity of 37.27 kg/h, a specific power consumption of 0.252 Wh/kg, a cleaning performance index of 0.981, and losses of 0.185%. Furthermore, the optimised machine significantly improved seed viability, as indicated by a germination percentage of 97% on the 14^th day. The solar-powered machine offers an energy-efficient, cost-effective solution for small-scale farmers to enhance seed quality, reduce processing losses, and increase yields.

Practical Utility: The optimised cleaning-and-sieving machine provides a reliable, energy-efficient solution for producing and preserving high-quality vegetable seeds. By removing impurities such as broken or immature seeds, the machine enhances the viability and germination potential of processed seeds, thereby directly contributing to higher crop yields. This versatile machine is suitable for processing various vegetable seed types and is particularly effective in small-scale agricultural operations and seed-processing units. It provides a sustainable and efficient alternative to labour-intensive manual seed-cleaning methods.