Engineering Design and Functional Evaluation of a Finger Millet Thresher with Integrated Dehusker

This research highlights India's agricultural innovation through the mechanization of finger millet threshing for smallholder farmers. The study focused on the development and evaluation of a finger millet thresher integrated with a Dehusking mechanism, aiming to provide a low-cost, efficient solution for marginal farmers. The methodology involved literature review, product analysis, and an engineering design approach to develop a suitable mechanism. Key physical parameters such as panicle size, angle of repose, bulk density, wall friction, and moisture content were analyzed to inform hopper and power system design. Essential machine components included the hopper drum, belt drives, threshing cylinder shaft, winnower shaft, and sieving mechanism. Performance evaluation revealed a conversion ratio of 0.5 kg finger millet per kg of dry ear buds, demonstrating the machine's effectiveness. The machine had a throughput capacity of 100 kg/hr and required approximately 10 minutes to thresh 1 kg of finger millet, indicating good operational efficiency. The overall efficiency was recorded between 91.66%, confirming the practicality of the design. These outcomes underscore the thresher's value in enhancing productivity, reducing labor, and supporting sustainable agriculture for low-income, small-scale farmers.