
Problem Addressed
The innovator, native to Keinou village, and other farmers found it costly to hire labour to harvest taro. Using spades, it takes many workers several days to harvest the crop.
Technology
The tractor-mounted PTO-driven harvester hacks the soil with a steel blade that digs out taro corms. The corms are propelled behind the tractor and cleaned by a cylindrical washing attachment. The machine covers one hectare in ten hours.
Societal Impact
Week-long work requiring five labourers can now be done in a day by three. It reduces expenses and enables farmers to market their produce in time. He has communicated with farmers district-wide about the potential benefits of the innovation.
Current status
He aims to improve the machine prior to commercialization, with assistance from the NIF. Currently, he is seeking support to source inexpensive parts for an innovative hydraulic tractor-powered harvester.