Development and testing of a tractor-mounted positioner for mango harvesting.
Gupta R. A., Pramod Mohnot, Satasiya R. M., Gontia N. K.
Author Affiliation: Research, Testing and Training Centre, Gujarat Agricultural University, Junagadh - 362 001, India.
AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America 35 : 28-32
Abstract : To reduce losses sustained during harvesting of mangoes and to maintain fruit quality, a tractor-mounted positioner was developed and tested for mango harvesting at the Sagadividi farm of the Gujarat Agricultural University, Junagadh Campus, Gujaratm, India. During operation, it was observed that using the positioner for harvesting, only the mature fruits with stalk of 10-20 mm length without sap burns and any other damage to the fruits, could be harvested. White layer (bloom), which is desirable from the quality point of view, was also maintained. Though the work output was slightly reduced, the over all economics was in favour of the use of the positioner for harvesting compared to the traditional picker. Using a positioner in orchards can save approximately Rs. 1000 per tree in a good season.