The post-harvesting process can be very time-consuming and labour intensive. It involves a series of tasks like cleaning, drying and weighing of the harvest, which usually requires separate machines and manual labour, leading to inefficiency and higher operating costs at procurement centres.
As a solution, IIT Kanpur and Tekorange Engineering Pvt. Ltd have developed an Integrated Processing Machine to streamline the post-harvest process. It aims to tackle the lack of infrastructure like sheds and dryers at procurement centres and integrate sorting, cleaning, and drying processes in one place.
Addressing key UN sustainable development goals such as industry, innovation and infrastructure, the Integrated Processing Machine offers a revolutionised approach to rice processing that benefits both operators and end consumers.
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How it works
The machine consists of a mesh to sort the rice grains, a chamber for feeding the rice and another chamber for cleaning and drying the rice.
It employs a heating system and an insulated chamber to dry the produce. To obtain good-quality rice as output, air moves in a cross-flow to thoroughly cleanse the grains.
Drying the rice takes place efficiently by passing hot air through the grains with the right amount of humidity.
The benefits
At a cost of Rs 7.8 lakh, the Integrated Processing Machine presents several benefits.
Among them are the significant cost reduction in post-harvesting processes and increased efficiency at procurement centres as the need for separate machinery to sort, dry and clean the harvest is eliminated.
Further, good quality output is also guaranteed due to the uniform sorting mechanism.
Additionally, the device is compatible with tractors with generators, making it accessible for farmers even in remote regions.
Instead of farmers transporting the yield to the machine, this feature allows for the device to be used at the field itself. Moreover, the device is equipped with a design for a conveyor system as well as a real-time continuous moisture monitor system to maximise efficiency and quality output.
What is RuTAG?
RuTAG is an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India that started in 2004. It was conceptualised as a mechanism to provide higher levels of science and technology interventions and support for rural areas.
Under this initiative the interventions are designed to be primarily demand-driven, focussing on bridging technology gaps at the grassroots level, upgrading technology and providing training and demonstrations through innovative projects.
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The Rutag Smart Village Centre (RSVC) Program, initiated under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), GoI, aims to drive scientific and technological interventions in rural development. It focuses on enhancing livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, and innovation-driven solutions for rural communities.
The lead image above shows the Integrated Processing Machine in the field. (Screengrab from a YouTube video of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India)
