Abstract:
An implement was successfully developed for the efficient collection of cashew
apples from the ground and the mechanical separation of cashew nuts from the fruit.
This innovation was aimed at addressing key challenges in manual harvesting, such as
high labour demand, physical strain, and post-harvest inefficiencies commonly faced in
small and medium-scale cashew farming. The prototype integrates three major
components: a ground-level collecting plate for scooping fruits, a conveyor system
fitted with PVC picker cups for transporting the fruits, and a gear-based separation unit
for detaching nuts from apples with minimal damage.
The collecting plate was inclined at 35°, allowing effective fruit guidance without
bruising. The picker cups, designed for gentle handling, were mounted at regular
intervals along a nylon conveyor belt, powered by a low-wattage motor. The nut
separation unit was fabricated using 3D printing technology and featured a main gear
with a soft rubber insert, enabling secure grip and efficient nut detachment in a single
rotation. The system’s design was guided by detailed analysis of the physical
characteristics of cashew apples and nuts to ensure compatibility and efficiency during
operation.
Field evaluations were conducted to assess the performance of the developed
implement. The results showed a picking efficiency of 44%, a conveying efficiency of
46%, and a separation efficiency of 100%. These findings confirm that while the system
requires further optimization for improved fruit collection and handling consistency, it
performs exceptionally well in nut separation. The implement also significantly reduced
physical effort and improved operator comfort by eliminating the need for repetitive
stooping and squatting.
Overall, the developed system proved to be technically feasible, economically
viable, and ergonomically sound. It demonstrates strong potential for improving
productivity, reducing manual labour dependency, and minimizing post-harvest losses
in cashew processing. With continued refinement and wider field testing, the implement
can contribute meaningfully to sustainable agricultural mechanization in cashew-
growing regions.
