Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Kanhaiya Lal, RK Naik and HS Tuteja

Abstract:
Paddy straw cutting by hand has been consuming a lot of energy in the past few years. Researchers are working to identify the issue faced by farmers. There are several ways that new methods will contribute to a decrease in usage. The method for developing and utilizing a low-cost size cutter for producing mushrooms from paddy straw is suggested in this research. The main components included in the machine were frame, belt drive attachment, electric motor, shaft and blade. The main study focus was on the machine's design. The cutting's working width is 400 mm, its capacity is 146 kg/h and the prototype unit costs is approximately Rs 23490/-. The machine capacity and operating costs were compared in regard with traditional ones. Research indicates that the recently developed machine reduces costs by 69.11% when compared to the conventional Katti machine and by 57.34% when compared to the chaff cutter when it comes to sizing paddy straw to the optimum length. The machine's payback period was determined to be 0.97 years (194 hours) of operation. A farmer with a mushroom farm could easily accomplish this. The machine is therefore relatively economical.