Design and development of agricultural multipurpose cutting machine.

Agriculture is considered the backbone of developing countries. It is the only source of income for two-thirds of Indian workers. But in recent times there is a huge decline in the workforce in this sector. Many technological advancements and developments are being made in the agricultural domain, but most of the time the benefits of these technologies are not widespread to farmers of all economic classes. This paper aims at designing and fabricating affordable multipurpose cutting equipment for small-scale farmers that is capable of cutting sugarcane buds, banana leaves (in a circular shape), and corn stalks. A literature search on traditional and modern methods of bud cutting was conducted and based on that the machine is designed and fabricated. A foot pedal is provided for applying a force that reduces the effort and fatigue of the worker. Provisions are provided for replacing cutters to perform different cutting operations as mentioned earlier. Critical components that include various links and cutters are analyzed for safer design. Because of its ease of use, this equipment encourages women's participation in the agricultural workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]