Abstract

This study assessed the performance of a hand-operated seed mixing machine using rice, millet, maize and corn. The evaluation focused on four key parameters: mixing uniformity, processing time, seed damage and user effort. Results showed that the machine achieved mixing uniformity levels ranging from 90% to 94%, with millet demonstrating the highest uniformity, likely due to its smaller seed size and lower density. Processing times for the different seed types varied between 4.8 to 5.2 minutes, reflecting the machine’s capacity to handle different seed characteristics efficiently. Seed damage rates were minimal, ranging from 1.0% to 1.5%, indicating that the machine is effective at preserving seed quality during the mixing process. User effort, as measured on a 5-point scale, averaged 3.5, with millet requiring the least effort and maize the most, likely due to the latter’s larger and heavier seeds. Millet’s superior performance overall can be attributed to its physical properties, which facilitate better mixing and reduce the labor required. Although the machine demonstrated consistent performance across the different seed types, larger seeds like maize and corn showed slightly lower mixing uniformity and required more user effort. The findings suggest that the machine has potential for small-scale agricultural applications. However, further design optimization could enhance its performance for a wider variety of seed types, contributing to the development of more affordable and efficient seed processing technologies.

Keywords:Seed mixing; Agricultural equipment; Manual operation; Mixing drum; Seed distribution