ICAR experts unveil automated tools to transform cashewnut separation

Mangaluru: Cashewnut separation from cashew apples has long been a labour-intensive and inefficient process, impacting both quality and profitability for farmers. To address this, the ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR), Puttur, in collaboration with ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), regional station, Coimbatore, undertook a five-year research project starting in 2020 to develop efficient, mechanised separation technologies.

The team studied the engineering properties of cashew apples and nuts, leading to the development of three innovative machines after multiple design iterations and rigorous testing. Among them is the pedal-operated cashewnut separator, a manually operated device equipped with shear-cutting blades that achieves a separation capacity of 15 kg per hour with 83% efficiency and less than 5% nut damage. The portable semi-automatic ,cashewnut separator uses a twisting mechanism and delivers a higher capacity of 35 kg per hour with 92% efficiency. The most advanced of the three, the fully automatic 3-in-1 cashewnut separator, is a patented, high-capacity machine that performs nut separation, pulp extraction, and fibrous material removal with a capacity of 300 kg per hour, over 99% efficiency, and minimal nut damage (less than 1%).

According to a release, these advancements significantly reduce labour dependency and enhance productivity, especially beneficial for small and marginal cashew growers. The research was led by Dr Manjunatha K and Dr D Balasubramanian from ICAR-DCR, Puttur; Dr Ravindra Naik from ICAR-CIAE, RS, Coimbatore; and Dr J Dinakara Adiga, director of ICAR-DCR. In a key step towards commercialisation, ICAR-DCR and CIAE have signed an umbrella MoA with M/s Phison Agritech Private Limited, Ramanagara, Karnataka, for technology licensing.