Quality seed is essential for profitable crop production. Crop production can be increased by 10-20% by using seed, which is viable, free from weeds seed and diseases. Currently, 16% of wheat seed, 18% of paddy seed, 8% of pulses seed and 11% of vegetables seed is available that is certified. The rest of the demand is met through traditional sources. One of the constraints in providing healthy seed to growers is the unavailability of small-scale seed processing technology.
Introduction
Quality seed is essential for profitable crop production. Crop production can be increased by 10-20% by using seed, which is viable, free from weeds seed and diseases. Currently, 16% of wheat seed, 18% of paddy seed, 8% of pulses seed and 11% of vegetables seed is available that is certified. The rest of the demand is met through traditional sources. One of the constraints in providing healthy seed to growers is the unavailability of small-scale seed processing technology. To meet the acceptable standards, the undesirable materials must be removed from the crop seed, which is possible by providing a small-scale seed-processing unit to the seed growers and seed companies.
Technology Development, Demonstration and Commercialization
To address this problem, Farm Machinery Institute, NARC Islamabad has designed and
developed a Mobile Seed Processing Unit. Research work on prototype was started in April 2002 at FMI Aspirator and grader were developed in 2003 and were tested at farmers’ fields in Bhakkar, Kala Shah Kaku, Sargodha, and Punjab Seed Corporation, Gujranwala in 2003, 2004, and 2005 on wheat, paddy and pulses seeds. Length separating unit (indent cylinder) was developed in 2006 with the collaboration of a local manufacturer. The Seed Processing Unit was demonstrated in Rahim Yar Khan and Multan to farmers and seed companies in 2006. This unit is suitable for progressive seed growers and seed companies to process their produce effectively. A local manufacturer has started manufacturing and marketing Mobile Seed Processing Unit.
The Technology
The FMI designed multi-crop Mobile Seed Processing Unit removes inert material, weeds, broken grains, and shriveled grains from healthy grains. It also grades seeds into three categories: healthy seeds, light seeds, broken and shriveled seeds. It can be moved from one place to another. It is suitable for processing wheat, paddy, pulses, sunflower, peas, and okra. Its capacity ranges from 1 to 1.5 tonnes per hour for different crops. Its operating cost is Rs. 400 per tonn and saves Rs. 2600 per tonn as compared to traditional cleaning methods.
Key References
Ahmad, T. (2005). Development and Commercialization of Mobile Seed Processing Unit. Paper presented at National Seminar on Seed Processing Machinery in Pakistan, April 18, 2005 at NARC, Islamabad.
Ahmad, T., Kalwar, S. A., Munir, A. and Amjad, N. (2006). Mechanization Technologies for Wheat Planting and Seed Processing. Paper presented at seminar on Wheat Production Technology, September 18, 2006 at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad.
