Bean there: New device by University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, eases winter chores of avarekai shelling | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Homemakers, farmers, and food vendors can now breathe easier during the avarekai season. University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B), has developed a compact tabletop machine that eliminates the laborious task of shelling beans and peas — a process that often consumes hours in kitchens and markets.This innovative device is designed specifically to simplify the shelling of fresh beans and peas that flood vegetable markets during this season. Created by the university’s food processing engineers, the tabletop machine efficiently removes hyacinth beans (avarekai) from their pods and can also shell pigeon peas, cowpeas, and common peas.The machine was demonstrated at the recent Krishi Mela and during Raitha Santhe, where it received praise from deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and agriculture minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy.A tabletop deviceScientists Darshan MB and Manjunath M developed this device under All-India Coordinated Research Project on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (AICRP-PHET). The six-month project was funded with 75% support from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and 25% from state govt.Powered by a 0.5 HP electric motor, the machine can de-shell approximately 60kg of bean pods per hour, yielding about 30kg of beans with an efficiency of around 90%. The machine is estimated to cost between Rs 20,000 and 25,000, said DarshanThe research team has applied for a patent. “We are in the process of getting approvals for technology transfer to interested individuals or firms,” said Darshan, adding that those interested could contact the university.Team working on de-skinning featureThe next phase of the project will involve developing a de-skinning feature for the device, which will be particularly beneficial for avarekai consumers, as de-skinned beans are widely used in the region. “We identified the challenge faced locally by households, retailers, and farmers, and decided to develop the solution. The machine, in its current form, is very useful in large kitchens during events and in restaurants,” added Darshan.
