International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Virat Tripathi, Sanwal Singh Meena, Manjeet Singh and Navneet Kumar Agarwal

abstract
Threshers play a vital role in efficient grain processing, but their intricate mechanisms and high-speed operations introduce significant safety risks. To mitigate these risks and enhance safety, a sensor-based safety system is proposed. This advanced system leverages cutting-edge sensors to monitor, detect, and address potential hazards, thereby aiming to reduce accidents and improve overall safety in agricultural settings. Threshers, essential for harvesting grain, are prone to accidents such as mechanical failures, operator injuries, and entanglements. These incidents often result from inadequate maintenance, operator errors, and insufficient safety measures. Traditional safety practices may not fully address these high-risk factors. The proposed sensor-based system offers a proactive solution by incorporating real-time monitoring and automated safety features. The system integrates various sensors, including proximity sensors to alert operators of nearby objects or people near critical machine parts, and temperature sensors to detect overheating that could lead to fires or mechanical breakdowns. Sophisticated algorithms analyze real-time data from these sensors to predict and manage safety risks. The system can automatically reverse or stop the conveyor belt or feeding chute, activate warnings, or notify operators and maintenance staff when hazards are detected. This proactive approach aims to prevent accidents before they occur, significantly reducing the risk of injury and damage. Implementing this technology involves integrating sensors into existing threshers, developing data processing algorithms, and conducting field tests. Collaboration with equipment manufacturers and safety experts is crucial to ensure the system meets industry standards and effectively addresses the specific challenges of thresher operations. Field trials and user feedback are essential for refining the system and confirming its effectiveness. Beyond individual safety improvements, this sensor-based system enhances thresher reliability and efficiency, minimizes downtime, and supports compliance with safety regulations, thus fostering a safer working environment. Representing a significant advancement in thresher safety technology, the system’s real-time monitoring and automated hazard detection capabilities reduce accident risks and improve operational safety. Ongoing research and industry collaboration will be vital in further enhancing this technology and ensuring its widespread adoption in agriculture.