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A Comprehensive Study of Pineapple Cultivation: Morphology, Harvesting Challenges, and Mechanization Innovations

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22 March 2024

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25 March 2024

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Abstract
This review paper delves into the multifaceted aspects of pineapple cultivation, focusing on morphology studies, harvesting challenges, and mechanization efforts. Pineapple, renowned for its commercial value and unique flavor, holds a prominent position in global agriculture, with India alone producing 19.64 lakh tonnes annually. However, the hilly terrains of regions like northeastern India pose significant hurdles to traditional harvesting methods, necessitating innovative solutions. Understanding the morphology of pineapple plants is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and designing efficient harvesting equipment. Insights from various studies shed light on leaf structure, fruit maturity, and growth patterns, providing valuable information for engineering tailored solutions. Mechanization endeavors, including semi-mechanized harvesting machines and semi-manual harvesters, demonstrate promising results in improving efficiency and reducing labor-intensive practices. Despite challenges such as increased crop losses and operational costs, continued research and development in mechanization hold the key to sustainable pineapple cultivation. This paper underscores the importance of integrating morphology studies and mechanization efforts to address the unique challenges faced by pineapple farmers, particularly in hilly terrains, and highlights the need for ongoing innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability of pineapple cultivation.
Keywords: 
Subject: Engineering  -   Other

1. Introduction

The pineapple (Ananas Comosus) stands as one of the world's most prized fruits, revered for its unique flavor and versatility in culinary applications. With its origins tracing back to South America, pineapple cultivation has spread globally, becoming a cornerstone of agricultural economies, particularly in tropical regions. In India, pineapple cultivation spans across 90,000 hectares, yielding an annual production of 19.64 lakh tonnes, highlighting its significance in the agricultural landscape. Despite its widespread popularity and economic importance, pineapple harvesting presents formidable challenges, particularly in hilly terrains where traditional methods prove arduous and inefficient.
In hilly areas, such as the northeastern regions of India, pineapple farmers encounter significant hurdles in harvesting their crops. The rugged terrain and steep slopes amplify the labor-intensive nature of traditional harvesting practices, often involving manual labor with sickles. This labor-intensive approach not only poses ergonomic risks to farmers but also limits productivity and efficiency.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Morphology in Pineapple Farming

The study of morphology in pineapple farming is indispensable for optimizing harvesting practices, enhancing productivity, and fostering sustainable agricultural development. Pineapple (Ananas Comosus), renowned for its commercial value and unique flavor, thrives in diverse climates, making it a staple crop in many regions worldwide. Understanding the intricate morphology of the pineapple plant provides valuable insights into various aspects of cultivation and harvesting, ultimately contributing to improved efficiency and yield.
Morphological characteristics, as highlighted by Collins (1949), offer essential information for the design and development of harvesting equipment. Insights into leaf structure, rigidity, and arrangement inform engineering considerations, facilitating the creation of specialized tools tailored to the unique requirements of pineapple harvesting. Additionally, studies on fruit maturity conducted by Huang et al. (1960) and Joomwong and Sornsrivichai (2005) underscore the importance of identifying optimal harvesting stages based on color and texture. This knowledge enables farmers to preserve fruit quality and maximize yield, thereby enhancing profitability and market competitiveness.
Moreover, Teisson (1973) and d'Eeckenbrugge et al. (2003) shed light on the growth patterns and yield determinants of pineapple plants. Understanding factors such as stem morphology and its influence on fruit production is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and maximizing productivity. Practical considerations, elucidated by Medina and Garcia (2005) and Joy (2010), provide valuable insights into the timing of harvest, methods employed, and post-harvest handling. This practical knowledge is essential for developing efficient harvesting systems tailored to the unique requirements of pineapple farming.
Furthermore, engineering applications and innovations, as demonstrated by Du et al. (2019), showcase the integration of morphological studies into agricultural engineering practices. By leveraging insights into physical characteristics and mechanical properties, innovative solutions can be devised to streamline the harvesting process and enhance efficiency. Such advancements not only optimize labor utilization but also reduce ergonomic risks associated with manual harvesting methods, thereby promoting the well-being of farmers.

2.2. Mechanization in Pineapple Harvesting

The journey of mechanization in pineapple harvesting has been marked by significant research and innovation aimed at improving efficiency and reducing labor-intensive practices. Ongoing studies have provided valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of mechanical methods in pineapple cultivation.
O'brien et al. (1970) explored the potential of mechanical harvesting for pineapples and highlighted the challenges associated with it, including increased crop losses and operational costs. However, they suggested that the adoption of modified cultural practices could make mechanical harvesting economically viable.
Gaillard (1978) focused on the limitations and potential of mechanical harvesting methods, particularly emphasizing the economic feasibility of conveyor belt systems for large-scale plantations.
Rosa (1990) made a significant contribution by developing a semi-mechanized harvesting machine capable of harvesting pineapples with or without crowns. This innovation offered promising theoretical productivity gains while reducing operational costs, thus making mechanized harvesting more accessible to pineapple farmers.
In a further advancement, a semi-manual pineapple harvester was introduced at CAU, Imphal, in 2014, specifically tailored for harvesting pineapples in hilly and sloping terrains. This harvester, equipped with a sharp serrated blade and powered by a petrol engine, demonstrated impressive efficiency and suitability for the northeastern hill regions.

4. Conclusions

The development and adoption of mechanized harvesting techniques in pineapple cultivation are crucial for overcoming the challenges posed by labor shortages and terrain constraints. While initial studies highlighted the drawbacks of mechanical harvesting, subsequent innovations have shown promising results in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The semi-mechanized harvesting machines developed by Rosa (1990) and the semi-manual harvester from CAU, Imphal (2014), demonstrate the potential for mechanization to improve productivity and sustainability in pineapple farming. However, further research and development are needed to refine these technologies and make them more widely accessible to farmers, particularly in hilly regions where traditional harvesting methods are labor-intensive and inefficient.
In conclusion, there is a clear need for ongoing efforts to advance the development of pineapple harvesters, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of pineapple cultivation in different geographical regions. By harnessing the power of mechanization, pineapple farmers can enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their operations.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.A.S., S.D.L. I.M.M and T.K.K.; methodology, M.A.S., S.D.L.; software, M.A.S.; validation, S.D.L., I.M.M., J.P., T.K.K. and S.K.S.; formal analysis, M.A.S.; investigation, M.A.S.; resources, M.A.S.; data curation, M.A.S.; writing—original draft preparation, M.A.S.; writing—review and editing, S.D.L. and J.P.; visualization, M.A.S..; supervision, S.D.L., I.M.M.; project administration, I.M.M.; funding acquisition, S.D.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.”

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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