For many farmers and households in Karnataka, shelling avarekai (hyacinth bean) is more than just a seasonal activity. It is a time-consuming and tiring chore. Every winter, families spend long hours manually removing beans from pods, often experiencing hand pain and fatigue. Addressing this everyday problem, scientists at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, have developed a compact bean shelling machine that promises to make the task faster, easier, and more efficient.
The newly developed machine is designed as a tabletop device, making it suitable for small farmers, self-help groups, vendors, and even households involved in large-scale bean processing. Unlike traditional shelling methods that depend entirely on manual labour, this machine can shell around 60 kilograms of pods per hour with nearly 90 per cent efficiency. This represents a significant improvement over hand-shelling, which is both slow and physically demanding.
Designed for Local Crops and Local Needs
One of the most important features of this machine is its crop versatility. While it is primarily designed for avarekai, it can also be used to shell pigeon pea, cowpea, and similar legumes commonly grown across India. This makes it a practical innovation for farmers cultivating pulses in different regions. The scientists behind the machine focused on keeping the design simple, affordable, and farmer-friendly. With a price range of ₹20,000 to ₹25,000, the device is much cheaper than large industrial shellers and can be easily adopted by small and marginal farmers. The compact size also means it does not require a large storage space or complex installation.
Positive Response from Farmers
The machine has already gained attention at agricultural exhibitions such as Krishi Mela, where farmers showed keen interest in the innovation. Many farmers appreciated how the device reduces labour dependency, especially at a time when agricultural labour is becoming costly and difficult to find. For women, who often handle post-harvest activities like shelling, the machine can significantly reduce physical strain. Farmers also see this as a tool that can improve post-harvest efficiency, reduce processing time, and help them bring produce to the market faster. For small vendors selling fresh shelled beans, this machine could translate into better earnings and less exhaustion.
Future Improvements in Progress
The research team at UAS Bengaluru is not stopping here. A patent application for the bean shelling machine is currently underway, highlighting the originality and research value of the innovation. Scientists are also working on additional features, including a de-skinning mechanism, which would further improve output quality and usability. Such improvements could make the machine even more attractive for commercial use and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs). With further refinement, the device could become a standard tool in pulse-growing regions.
Small Innovation, Big Impact
This bean shelling machine is a clear example of how need-based agricultural innovation can directly improve farmers’ lives. Instead of focusing solely on high-tech solutions, the researchers identified a common problem faced by farmers and provided a practical, affordable solution. In a country like India, where post-harvest losses and labour challenges remain major concerns, such small machines can make a big difference. By reducing drudgery, saving time, and improving efficiency, the UAS Bengaluru bean sheller stands as a reminder that meaningful agricultural progress often begins with simple ideas rooted in the field.
