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Evaluation and Improvement of Self-propelled Power Thresher (2019-20)

M Z Hasan
Farm Machinery & Postharvest Process Engineering Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh

M A Hoque
Farm Machinery & Postharvest Process Engineering Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh

M Hasan
Farm Machinery & Postharvest Process Engineering Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh

M A Hossain
Farm Machinery & Postharvest Process Engineering Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Power threshers have been proven as one of the most successful agricultural machine in Bangladesh. Power threshers are available in different sizes and models. This study was undertaken to evaluate large self-propelled power threshers developed by the manufacturers in different parts of Bangladesh and identify any problems related to the machines. It was conducted in Chalan Beel area in Pabna and Sirajganj districts during December 2019. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 7 owners of self-propelled power threshers. The study revealed that break-even use of the threshers was 437 ton of threshed rice that corresponds to about 365 hours of their operations. Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was calculated as 1.97, which was economically acceptable. From observations it was found that the threshers had some problems in power transmission systems of the transportation units, materials of the concave and design of the feeding chute. There were also risks of injury due to lack of adequate safety features which need to address in future research studies.

Keywords: Self-propelled, Power thresher, Rice, Chalan Beel

Location: Chalan Beel areas in Pabna and Sirajgonj districts

Start Date: 00-00-2019

End Date: 00-00-2020

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Thresher, Rice

Objectives:

To evaluate self-propelled multi crop large power threshers, and
To find out its problems and suggest improvement measures for better performance

Methodology:

Study areas: This study used primary survey data from the owners and operators of 7 large self-propelled closed drum threshers, collected using semi-structured questionnaires during December 2019. The study focused on Chalan Beel area in Pabna and Sirajganj district. During the winter most of its water dries up, providing fertile land and adequate surface water in proximity to the farmers to plant and irrigate Rabi crops. Specifications of the thresher: Over the years large self-propelled closed drum threshers gained popularity among the farmers in the villages adjacent to the wetland. All of the observed threshers were similar in size, power and capacity. Specifications of the threshers were shown. Economic analysis: Calculation procedures for economic parameters of a thresher were adopted from the procedure outlined by Alam and Momin (2009): Fixed cost (FC)- Fixed costs include depreciation, interest on the machinery investment, taxes, insurance and shelter. A straight-line depreciation was used to calculate fixed cost. Depreciation was calculated as follows (Alam and Momin, 2009. Variable cost (VC)- Variable cost includes cost for fuel, oil/lubricant, repair and maintenance and labour. This cost was calculated as follows (Alam and Momin, 2009). Break-even use- Break-even use of a machine indicates no-profit no-loss situation above which the machine use can be considered as net gain (Gittinger, 1994). Revenue was estimated from the collected data and assumed values of different parameters related to fixed and variable costs, threshing capacity, thresher use etc. The following formula was used to estimate the appropriate break-even use of the threshers (Alam and Momin, 2009). Benefit cost ratio: Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) may be defined as the ratio of benefits to costs (expressed either in present or annual worth). The method of benefit-cost analysis follows the systematic approach used in selecting between economic investments alternatives (Gittinger, 1994). Benefit cost ratio (BCR) was calculated.

Source of Information: Annual Research report 2019-2020, BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Based on the observations and findings of the survey it can be concluded that the large power threshers were found economically beneficial for the owners. It generated local work opportunities for the labours during crop harvesting periods, subsequently reducing migration of labours to other areas in search for jobs. Farmers were also benefited by the service providers because threshing capacity was high (1200 kg/h), very small or no visible damage of the grains and affordable service charge (1.125 Tk./kg). However, the study had multiple limitations like small sample size, inadequate data collection, limited area coverage etc. Initially it was planned to conduct more surveys in a greater area with bigger sample size and improved questionnaire during every crop harvesting season. But no further survey could be conducted afterwards as nationwide lockdown due to COVID- 19 pandemic took place. In order to get exact scenario of the large power threshers the study will be continued in the coming months.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings