Design and Construction
S. K. Busse; T. K. Hurisa; E. A. Esleman
Abstract
Efficient control of agricultural machinery is crucial in sugar plants for maintaining product quality, managing operational costs, and improving productivity. The Ethiopian sugar industry is vital to the country's economy; however, issues with machinery management can lead to higher maintenance costs ...
Read More
Efficient control of agricultural machinery is crucial in sugar plants for maintaining product quality, managing operational costs, and improving productivity. The Ethiopian sugar industry is vital to the country's economy; however, issues with machinery management can lead to higher maintenance costs and poor operational efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the agricultural machinery management system at the Arjo Diddessa sugar factory and optimize operational costs. Between 2016 and 2022, data were collected through surveys, interviews, and observations. To improve machinery running costs, a linear programming model was studied using Linear Interactive and Discrete Optimizer )LINDO( software. The findings revealed that 49% of non-operational machinery required minor repair, whereas 14% required disposal. The anticipated work rate exceeded the actual rate by 35.33%. Among the tasks, uprooting exhibited the smallest variance at 5.73%, while inter-row cultivation displayed the greatest discrepancy at 67.21%. Initial repair expenses were minimal but increased as the equipment aged. The optimization model achieved a maximum reduction of 10.60% in operational costs during 2021-22, highlighting the importance of accurate machinery work rate estimation and performance analysis for enhancing efficiency. The study identified critical inefficiencies in machinery management and emphasized the need for robust maintenance systems and strategic replacement plans for aging equipment. Optimizing operational efficiency is essential for improving productivity and reducing costs in sugar production processes.
Design and Construction
D. Girma Gadisa; K. Purushottam Kolhe; S. Kedir Busse; M. Mohammed Issa; T. Aseffa Abeye; D. Alemu Anawte
Abstract
Smallholder maize production in sub-Saharan Africa, crucial for regional food security, grapples with persistent yield gaps driven by labor-intensive planting practices and a critical lack of mechanization specifically designed to accommodate the traits of native plant varieties. This study characterizes ...
Read More
Smallholder maize production in sub-Saharan Africa, crucial for regional food security, grapples with persistent yield gaps driven by labor-intensive planting practices and a critical lack of mechanization specifically designed to accommodate the traits of native plant varieties. This study characterizes three maize varieties (CML-539, Melkassa 3, and Melkassa 6Q) to develop design parameters for adaptive multi-crop planters. Geometric properties including length, width, and thickness were measured using digital calipers, with 100 seeds per variety. Analysis was performed for elongation, geometric and arithmetic mean diameters, surface area, projected area, transverse cross-sectional area, sphericity, flakiness ratio, aspect ratio, shape index, and roundness. Gravimetric properties including bulk and true densities, porosity, thousand seed mass, and angle of repose were systematically analyzed to optimize seed-handling mechanisms in planter design. Physical property analysis revealed distinct varietal requirements: CML-539's irregular morphology (9.42 mm length, 49.30% porosity) necessitates vibration-assisted metering and aerated delivery systems; Melkassa 6Q's uniform properties (71.11± 6.66% sphericity, 811.62 kg m-3 bulk density) permit gravity-fed mechanisms; and Melkassa 3's intermediate characteristics of > 2.3 elongation ratio and 19.31% density variation require adjustable furrow openers of 25-30° rake angles. Geometric variability necessitates the implementation of adaptive solutions, such as curved seed tubes and adjustable furrow openers, to effectively prevent tilt and bridging. The resulting modular planter system, incorporating moisture-responsive metering, adaptive cell sizing, and aerated delivery, aligns with Ethiopia’s agroecological standards of 75 cm row spacing and depth range of 4 to 7 centimeters. This framework offers a scalable, sustainable model for precision smallholder mechanization, transferable to global maize systems.
