Pedal-powered seed treatment

A small pedal-powered machine that can treat a wide variety of seeds has been developed by ICI. Batches of up to 10 kg can be treated in just a few minutes. The machine consists of a drum that replaces the handle bars of a bicycle. Inside the drum is a rotating disc that is driven from the pedals. Seed is then placed in the drum, the dressing added, and the disc rotated for ten seconds. The spinning action folds the dressing into the seed and coats each grain far more thoroughly than manual mixing. Reversing the pedals discharges the treated seed through a side chute in just a few seconds. All types of seed can be treated, except cotton seed which has not been de-limed. Two machines are now being tested in Kenya and Ethiopia. ICI expect that machines will be owned by cooperatives, where menbers can treat their own seed in a very short time. There is no reason why the same machine could not be used to treat fo,od grains with suitable protectants before they are put into store. For more details, contact: ICI Agrochemicals Fernhurst Haslemere Surrey GU27 3JE UK

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
Format:	News Item biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation 1988
Online Access:	https://hdl.handle.net/10568/44973
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