Performance Evaluation of Power-Operated Maize Sheller for Small and Marginal Farmers Based on Physiological and Subjective Workload Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52151/jae2026632.2014Keywords:
agricultural mechanization, grain damage, NASA-TLX, physiological workload, shelling efficiencyAbstract
This study evaluated the ergonomic suitability and operational performance of a power-operated (0.75 kW) maize sheller for small and marginal farmers under real on-farm conditions. An ergonomic assessment was conducted through physiological workload measurements, including heart rate, oxygen consumption rate, and energy expenditure, as well as a subjective workload evaluation using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Ten agriculturally experienced participants operated the machine under standardised conditions. The results indicated a moderate physiological workload, with an average working heart rate of 103 bpm, oxygen consumption rate of 0.50 L min-1, and energy expenditure of 15.46 kJ min-1, suggesting acceptable physical demand during operation. The NASA-TLX analysis showed higher temporal and mental demands than physical demands, indicating that task pacing and operator interaction influenced perceived workload more than physical effort. Users reported good portability, operational safety, and ease of use; however, dust generation during operation was identified as a factor affecting operator comfort. The machine achieved a shelling efficiency of 98.05%, a grain damage of 2.92%, and a shelling capacity of 119.4 kg h-1, demonstrating improved productivity while maintaining a manageable ergonomic workload. Overall, the findings indicated that the power-operated maize sheller can reduce labour drudgery and enhance post-harvest efficiency while maintaining an acceptable comfort and safety conditions for smallholder farming systems.
Downloads
References
Abeye, T. A., Amhed, A. U., & Anewuteh, D. A. (2024). Performance evaluation of the Melkassa-Made engine-driven maize sheller. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications, 12(6), 136–141. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmea.20241206.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmea.20241206.11
Abishek, A., Jayashree, G. C., Chilur, R., Darshan, M. B., & Nikita, G. (2025). Design and development of maize sheller machine for small and marginal farmers. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 31(5), 490–500. https://doi.org/10.9734/jsrr/2025/v31i53046 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/jsrr/2025/v31i53046
Aksu, Ş. H., Adem, A., Çakıt, E., Dağdeviren, M., & Karwowski, W. (2025). An examination of the interrelationships among NASA-TLX dimensions utilizing the DEMATEL method. PLOS ONE, 20(4), e0320638. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320638 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320638
Akubuo, C. O. (2002). PH—Pastharvest Technology: Performance evaluation of a local maize sheller. Biosystems Engineering, 83(1), 77–83. https://doi.org/10.1006/bioe.2002.0095 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/bioe.2002.0095
Alam, M. M, & Momin, M. A. (2009). Performance of existing maize shellers in Bangladesh. Progressive Agriculture, 20(1–2), 207–220. https://doi.org/10.3329/pa.v20i1-2.16873 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/pa.v20i1-2.16873
Al-Jalil, H. F., Marley, S. J., & Chowdhury, M. H. (1980). Laboratory studies of a low-damage corn-shelling machine. Transactions of the ASAE, 23(2), 278-283. https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.34571 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.34571
Banerjee, S., & Sen, R. (1955). Determination of the surface area of the body of Indians. Journal of Applied Physiology, 7(6), 585–588. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1955.7.6.585 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1955.7.6.585
Campoya Morales, A. F., Hernandez Arellano, J. L., González Muñoz, E. L., & Maldonado Macías, A. A. (2020). Development of the NASA-TLX multi equation tool to assess workload. International Journal of Combinatorial Optimization Problems and Informatics, 11(1), 50–58.
Charles, R. L., & Nixon, J. (2019). Measuring mental workload using physiological measures: A systematic review. Applied Ergonomics, 74, 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.028
Chen, Z., Wassgren, C., & Ambrose, K. (2020). A review of grain kernel damage: Mechanisms, modeling, and testing procedures. Transactions of the ASABE, 63(2), 455–475. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13643 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13643
Dabhi, K. L., Sharma, A., & Sen, P. (2024). Ergonomical and performance study of pedal operated maize shellers. International Journal of Engineering, Management and Humanities, 5(2), 236–242.
Dula, M. W. (2019). Review on development and performance evaluation of maize sheller. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, 8(5), 472–481. https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTV8IS050329 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTV8IS050329
El-Sharawy, H. M. M. (2017). Performance evaluation of local maize shellers. Master's thesis. Benha University, Arab Republic of Egypt.
Fan, C., Zhang, D., Yang, L., Cui, T., He, X., & Zhao, H. (2022). Development and performance evaluation of the electric-hydraulic concave clearance control system based on maize feed rate monitoring. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 15(2), 156–164. https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20221502.6369 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20221502.6369
Gowda, C. H. R. Amrutha T, Singh, N. U., Pual, P., Biam, K. P., Yumnam, A., Nivetina, L., & Singh, K. (2024). Inter-state growth and dynamics of maize production in North-East Himalayan states of India. Journal of Mountain Research, 19(2), 431–441. https://doi.org/10.51220/jmr.v19-i2.44 DOI: https://doi.org/10.51220/jmr.v19-i2.44
Hart, S. G., & Staveland, L. E. (1988). Development of NASA-TLX (Task Load Index): Results of empirical and theoretical research. In: P. A. Hancock, & N. Meshkati (Eds.), Advances in Psychology (Vol. 52, pp. 139–183). North-Holland. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4115(08)62386-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4115(08)62386-9
Hasalkar, S., Budihal, R., Shivalli, R., & Biradar, N. (2004). Assessment of workload of weeding activity in crop production through heart rate. Journal of Human Ecology, 15(3), 165–167. https://doi.org/10.31901/24566608.2004/15.03.02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09709274.2004.11905685
Joshi, H. C. (1981). Design and selection of thresher parameters and components. Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America, 12(2), 61–68.
Jyotsna, Rana, K., Singh, K., & Mehta, M. (2005). Ergonomic evaluation of the rural women while performing wheat harvesting activity. Journal of Human Ecology, 18(4), 309–311. https://doi.org/10.31901/24566608.2005/18.04.08 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09709274.2005.11905847
Kumar, A., Mohan, D., Patel, R., & Varghese, M. (2002). Development of grain threshers based on ergonomic design criteria. Applied Ergonomics, 33(5), 503–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-6870(02)00029-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-6870(02)00029-7
Kumar, B. A., & Begum, S. H. (2014). Design, development and performance evaluation of a hand operated maize sheller. International Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 7(1), 194–197.
Kumari, N., Singh, P. K., & Singh, P. (2020). Promotion of mini power tiller among marginal and small farmers. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 9(3), 53–56.
Lohani, T., & Rana, S. (2024). An ergonomic study of maize shelling. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, 7(7S), 587–593. https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i7Sd.875 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i7Sd.875
Longo, L., Wickens, C. D., Hancock, G., & Hancock, P. A. (2022). Human mental workload: A survey and a novel inclusive definition. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 883321. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.883321 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.883321
Mishra, S., Bhagat, D., & Borah, S. (2024). Ergonomic studies on occupational health of women workers involved in agricultural industries: A systematic review. Research on World Agricultural Economy, 5(4), 110–127. https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.1207 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.1207
Mrunalini, K., & Prasad, M. L. V. V. (2017). Marketing opportunities of farm machinery- small and marginal farmers. Agriculture Update, 12(Special-6), 1739–1740. https://doi.org/10.15740/HAS/AU/12.TECHSEAR(6)2017/1739-1740 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15740/HAS/AU/12.TECHSEAR(6)2017/1739-1740
Nag, P. K., Sebastian, N. C., & Mavlankar, M. G. (1980). Occupational workload of Indian agricultural workers. Ergonomics, 23(2), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140138008924724 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140138008924724
Nandede, B. M., Carpenter, G., Byale, N. A., Rudragouda, C., Jadhav, M. L., & Pagare, V. (2017). Manually operated single row vegetable transplanter for vegetable seedlings. International Journal of Agriculture Sciences, 9(53), 4911–4914.
Nandede, B. M., Jadhav, M. L., Dhimate, A. S., Thorat, D. S., & Shinde, V. S. (2021). Design development and evaluation of lever type maize sheller. Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 80(01), 11–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56042/jsir.v80i01.36821
Nawi, N. M., Yahya, A., Chen, G., Bockari-Gevao, S. M., & Maraseni, T. N. (2012). Human energy expenditure in lowland rice cultivation in Malaysia. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 18(1), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.41232 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.41232
Nemecek, J. (1976). Ergonomical analysis of strenuous work in female textile employees. Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting, 20(12), 245–247. https://doi.org/10.1177/154193127602001202 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/154193127602001202
Nkakini, S. O., Ayotamuno, M. J., Maeba, G. P. D., Ogaji, S. O. T., & Probert, S. D. (2007). Manually-powered continuous-flow maize-sheller. Applied Energy, 84(12), 1175–1186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2007.05.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2007.05.009
Nwakairea, J. N., Ugwuishiwub, B. O., & Ohagwuc, C. J. (2011). Design, construction and performance analysis of a maize thresher for rural dweller. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 30(2), 49–54.
Patel, T., Sanjog, J., Chatterjee, A., Shroff, A., Prusty, S. S., Mohapatra, S., & Karmakar, S. (2017). Virtual ergonomics evaluation of a design concept of manual powered portable paddy thresher suitable for hilly region agriculture. In: A. Chakrabarti & D. Chakrabarti (Eds.), Research into Design for Communities, Volume 1, ICoRD 2017. Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies (Vol. 65, pp. 503–512). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3518-0_44 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3518-0_44
Rabbani, M. A., Hossain, M. M., Asha, J. F., & Khan, N. A. (2016). Design and development of a low cost planter for maize establishment. Journal of Science Technology and Environment Informatics, 4(1), 270–279. https://doi.org/10.18801/jstei.040116.30 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18801/jstei.040116.30
Redlarski, G., Palkowski, A., & Krawczuk, M. (2016). Body surface area formulae: An alarming ambiguity. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 27966. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep27966 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep27966
Singh, A., Gautam, U. S., Pannase, S., & Singh, A. (2010). Ergonomic evaluation of farm women during maize shelling. Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 10(3), 41–44.
Singh, N. U., Das, K. K., Roy, A., Tripathi, A. K., & Sinha, P. K. (2018). Temporal variation of maize production in North Eastern Region of India: An Inter-State Comparative Study. Indian Journal of Hill Farming, 31(1), 120–131.
Singh, S. P., & Gite, L. P. (2007). Ergonomical evaluation of a hand operated paddy winnower by women workers. Journal of Agricultural Engineering (India), 44(4), 67–71. https://doi.org/10.52151/jae2007444.1302 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52151/jae2007444.1302
Singh, S. P., Gite, L. P., Majumder, J., & Agarwal, N. (2008). Aerobic capacity of indian farm women using sub-maximal exercise technique on tread mill. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, X. MES 08 001.
Sinwal, S. (2008). Assessment of physiological workload of farm women in relation to their nutritional profile. Doctoral dissertation. Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur, India.
Steponavičius, D., Kemzūraitė, A., Pužauskas, E., Domeika, R., Grigas, A., & Karalius, D. (2023). Shape optimization of concave crossbars to increase threshing performance of moist corn ears. Agriculture, 13(5), 983–1002. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050983 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050983
Wang, K., Xie, R., Ming, B., Hou, P., Xue, J., & Li, S. (2021). Review of combine harvester losses for maize and influencing factors. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 14(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20211401.6034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20211401.6034
Xia, Y., Che, T., Meng, J., Hu, J., Qiao, G., Liu, W., Kang, J., & Tang, W. (2024). Detection of surface defects for maize seeds based on YOLOv5. Journal of Stored Products Research, 105, 102242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2023.102242 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2023.102242
Yenge, G. B., Kad, V. P., & Nalawade, S. M. (2018). Physical properties of maize ( Zea mays L.) grain. Journal of Krishi Vigyan, 7(Special Issue), 125–128. https://doi.org/10.5958/2349-4433.2018.00173.3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/2349-4433.2018.00173.3
