DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF SUGARCANE BUD CHIPPER MACHINE TO IMPROVE THE FARM PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

Sugarcane holds immense significance, particularly in a nation like Pakistan, where it is a staple for millions of people. Sugarcane farming in Pakistan spans from small individual farms to corporate enterprises. While modern machinery with advanced technology has been developed to simplify sugarcane cultivation, it’s primarily accessible to corporate farmers due to its high cost. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a cost-effective, user-friendly machine that can deliver excellent results, enhance profits, and be more accessible. In the traditional method of planting sugarcane, the sugarcane is typically cut into pieces and buried. However, only a single bud-chip is required for sugarcane growth, leading to wastage of the remaining sugarcane. The machine is designed to precisely extract single bud-chips from sugarcane, saving time compared to manual and other cutting methods. The primary objective of this project is to streamline the bud-chip extraction process through the aforementioned machine, which demands less human labor, reduces investment costs, and saves time, making it a profitable investment for all farmers. The core purpose of this development is to enhance sugarcane germination while using a smaller quantity of sugarcane. In this method, only bud-chips are utilized to cultivate the sugarcane nursery. The initial weight of the sugarcane ranged from 0.92 kg to 1.21 Kg, and the length of the sugarcane from these selected stalks varied between 53 and 84 inches. The combined weight of the three sugarcane stalks was 3.28 kg, but after removing the buds, it reduced to 2.45 kg, with the bud-chips themselves accounting for a weight of approximately 0.74 kg. This approach to sugarcane production will bolster farm productivity and sustainability.