Design And Development Of Arecanut Harvesting System

– Arecanut harvesting is a labor-intensive process that poses significant challenges in terms of efficiency and productivity. This paper presents an innovative arecanut harvesting machine designed to streamline the harvesting process, reduce labor costs, and enhance yield quality. The machine incorporates advanced technology, Field tests demonstrate a marked increase in harvesting speed and a reduction in damage to the nuts compared to traditional methods. The machine features a mechanical pulley system integrated with a precision-engineered cutting mechanism mounted on a lightweight, telescopic pole. The harvesting operation is fully ground-based, significantly eliminating the risks associated with tree climbing. In field trials, the machine demonstrated an average reduction in harvesting time by 40–50% compared to manual methods, while nut damage was reduced to less than 3%. In addition, the machine requires minimal operator training, is portable, low-maintenance, and affordable, making it particularly suitable for small and medium-scale farmers. This study concludes that the adoption of mechanization in arecanut harvesting is essential for meeting the growing global demand and improving the livelihoods of farmers in arecanut-producing regions.