Comparative Evaluation of Manual and Mechanical Jamun Fruit Harvesting

Background: An engine operated jamun harvester to shake the limb with adjustable shaking frequency and amplitude was developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of the jamun harvester and determine the suitable shaking frequency and amplitude to obtain maximum harvesting efficiency. Methods: A 4×3 factorial experiment with completely randomized design was conducted to investigate the effects of shaking amplitude (10, 20, 30 and 40 mm) and frequency (2, 4 and 6 Hz) on percentage matured jamun harvested, fruit removal percentage and harvesting efficiency. Result: Analysis of variance and mean comparison showed that the shaking amplitude and shaking frequency both had significant effect on percentage matured jamun harvested, fruit removal percentage and harvesting efficiency. The fruit removal percentage increased at higher levels of shaking amplitude and frequency. Complete fruit removal (100%) was achieved at 6 Hz shaking frequency and 40 mm amplitude, however shattering of leaves and immature fruits were observed. Therefore, shaking amplitude of 30 mm and shaking frequency of 6 Hz was recommended for Jamun harvesting with 93.15% fruit removal and 64.33% harvesting efficiency. The fruit detachment force to fruit weight ratio (FDF/W) of Jamun varied from 1.46 to 0.23. The cost of harvesting of jamun by the developed harvester was found to be approx. Rs. 9/- as compared to Rs. 15/- per kg fruit for manual harvesting.