Development and Evaluation of Semi-Automated Pollution-Free Mulberry Plant Cutting Machines

Sericulture, an age-old agricultural practice focused on nurturing silkworms through the cultivation of mulberry plants, plays a vital role in the global textile industry. However, the traditional method of manually cutting mulberry plants has remained a labour-intensive and time-consuming process. Another type of machine has been developed, which utilizes petrol engines to reduce the labour intensity and to cut efficiency in mulberry plant harvesting. The use of petrol engines raises environmental concerns due to carbon emissions and air pollution. In regions where environmental regulations are stringent, the environmental impact of such machines may be a consideration. To address these challenges, this paper introduces an electrically powered, semi-automated, pollution-free mulberry plant-cutting machine, that is free from polluting emissions. Furthermore, it incorporates a fertilizer hopper, enabling simultaneous fertilization of the plants immediately after cutting. This innovative technology not only reduces the physical strain on farmers but also optimizes mulberry crop growth, ultimately leading to healthier silkworms. It offers a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional petrol-powered solutions. The incorporation of an ESP8266 microcontroller allows for remote control, enhancing operator convenience and ensuring seamless, error-free operation in sericulture.