Development of a Cassava Harvester

Abstract

Cassava is a major source of food and raw material for domestic and industrial uses in Nigeria. Consequently, the technologies involved in its cultivation from planting to harvesting require proper development. This paper reports the development of a labour-saving technology for harvesting cassava using standard procedures for designing soil engaging implements. Locally available materials were also used in the fabrication of the harvester. Results of trial tests indicate a digging efficiency of 58.9%, fuel consumption of 16 l/ha, field capacity of 0.11 ha/hr, field efficiency of 67.9% and root damage of 43.03%. The total cost of fabricating the machine was 184,000 naira only. Further tests under various soil and operational conditions for improvement and optimization were recommended for the purpose of patenting for commercialization.