Development of Commercial Belt Dryer for Granulated Cassava

Authors

  • Michael Agcaoili Gragasin Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Department of Agriculture (DA)
  • Romualdo C Martinez Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Department of Agriculture (DA)

Keywords:

Cassava, Manihot esculenta L, Belt Dryer, Postharvest, Agricultural Machinery

Abstract

This research has successfully designed, fabricated, and field tested a technically feasible mechanical dryer for granulated cassava.  Test results revealed that the developed drying technology has an input capacity of 1,158kgh-1, output capacity of 509kgh-1, and cassava product recovery of 44.2% with an average moisture reduction rate of 40.2%h-1.  Cost-benefit analysis showed that the technology is financially feasible given an internal rate of return of 17.12%.  Total drying cost per kilogram output is estimated at US$0.027 (US$=Php45).  By accounting all the costs involved in drying, the farmers can realize net benefits of US$136.40 per hectare for using the technology given a higher product recovery of 44-48% as compared to the traditional sun drying method of only 34-38%.  As such, this technology provides a viable alternative solution to the drying problem of farmers to sustain the growth of commercial production of cassava in the Philippines.

Author Biographies

  • Michael Agcaoili Gragasin, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Department of Agriculture (DA)

    Agricultural Mechanization Division

    Supervising Science Research Specialist

  • Romualdo C Martinez, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Department of Agriculture (DA)
    Agricultural Mechanization Division
    Chief, Science Research Specialist

References

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Published

2015-10-30

How to Cite

Development of Commercial Belt Dryer for Granulated Cassava. (2015). Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 3(5). https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAS/article/view/3141

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