Low-Cost Black Pepper Harvester for Farmers

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Introduction

This project focused on solving a real agricultural challenge—manual black pepper harvesting is slow, labor-intensive, and risky due to the climbing involved. I conducted preliminary research with farmers, studied existing tools, and identified the core problems: limited efficiency, high dependency on hired labor, and inconsistent yield collection. The aim was to develop an affordable and ergonomic harvesting solution tailored for small farms

Field Immersion: Understanding Farmer Needs & Pain Points

visited pepper farms, observed harvesting processes, and interacted directly with farmers to understand real-world constraints. The insights revealed issues such as hand fatigue, climbing hazards, and crop wastage. These observations shaped the user requirements and helped define design constraints—lightweight handling, the ability to reach taller vines, and safe operation without ladders.

Concept Generation & Design Development

Using the research insights, I developed multiple product concepts with different mechanisms—cutting, shaking, and collecting. Several design iterations were sketched, evaluated, and refined based on feasibility and ease of manufacturing. Ergonomics and usability were prioritised so the tool could be operated by farmers of varying age and strength. Final concepts were tested virtually before prototyping.

Working Prototype: Engineering, Fabrication & Field Testing

fabricated a functional prototype using lightweight structural materials and integrated a simple harvesting mechanism. This prototype was field-tested with farmers to evaluate comfort, reach, and harvesting rate. Real usage feedback led to mechanical adjustments and improved cutting efficiency. This stage validated that the design could reduce effort and improve safety.

Impact & Learnings: A Safer, Faster Harvesting Experience

The final prototype offered a safer alternative to climbing and helped harvest pepper pods faster with reduced fatigue. By involving farmers throughout the design cycle, the solution remained practical, repairable, and affordable. The project demonstrated how user-centered design can drive innovation in rural tools and opened the scope for low-cost mechanization in agriculture.

Role & Responsibilities

Led field research with farmers to identify challenges in manual pepper harvesting
Defined user needs and design requirements
Developed concepts, 3D models, and mechanism exploration
Built a functional prototype and tested it on farms
Incorporated user feedback to refine ergonomics, efficiency, and safety