THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PROJECT PROPOSAL 1
UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
EN411_RESEARCH PROJECT 1
PROJECT PROPOSAL
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF
SIMPLE GARDEN WEEDER TOOL
Proposed by:
Dr.Steve Ales
Executed by:
David Mokepwesi
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 2
Abstract ........................................................................................ 3
Introduction .................................................................................. 3
Goal ......................................................................................... 5
Objectives ............................................................................... 5
Methodology ................................................................ 6
a) Problem Identification ......................................................... 6
b) Literature Review .................................................................... 7
c) PROPOSED DESIGN ............................................................. 8
e) Assemmbling ............................................................................9
f) Testing .......................................................................................9
Summary .............................................10Error! Bookmark not defined.
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 3
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF SIMPLE GARDEN WEEDER TOOL
Abstract
Weeds can be thought of as plants growing in the wrong habitation, place and time
thereby, doing further damage than improving the crop. Taking out weed growths is a
vital practice but in the same way it is time consuming. Increase in the use of machine
like intra-row weeder is of much interest around the world today because of its impact
on the environment and a growing request for healthy foods produced. Today the
agricultural industries wants non-chemical weed control that can safeguard consumers
demand for high quality food crops and pay special attention to food safety. Through
the mechanical development of different devices for weeding manually, such as
accurate inter-row and intra-row weeders, weeds can be mitigated. Through these
mechanical means food production safety can be guaranteed[1]. However the
available mechanical weeders in the market are very costly undertaking, operational
requirements are high and requires technical training, which leaves a gap that remains
unsatisfied for farmers who are low income earners to purchase advanced mechanical
weeders. How to bridge this gap? When? Who will be satisfied?
This project has been proposed to address the pressing needs of farmers in managing
weed proliferation during cultivation. Consequently, our objective is to develop a
simple, dependable, and cost-effective garden weeder tailored for smallholder farmers.
Keywords: Weeds, Weeder, Weed control, Mechanical weeder
Introduction
The population growth rate is much faster than the growth rate in food grain
production in the country. Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector contributes to 25
percent of the country’s gross domestic product, reflecting its importance [2]. One
third of the cost of cultivation is spent on weeding alone when carried out with the
manual labour.Weeding is an important but equally labour intensive agricultural unit
operation. Weeding accounts for about 25 % of the total labour requirement (900–
1200 manhours/hectare) during a cultivation season[3].It is very difficult for them to
have costly agricultural machinery and equipment. The weed should be controlled and
eliminated at their early stage. Depending upon the weed density, 20 to 30 percent
loss in grain yield is quite usual which might increase up to 80 percent if adequate
crop management practice is not observed. Manual and mechanical techniques such as
pulling, cutting and otherwise damaging plants, may be used to control some invasive
plants, particularly if the population is relatively small. These techniques can be
extremely specific, minimizing damage to desirable plants and animals, but they are
generally labor and time intensive. Treatments must typically be administered several
times to prevent the weed from re establishing, and in the process, laborers and
machines may severely trample vegetation and disturb soil, providing prime
conditions for re-invasion by the same or other invasive species. It is necessary to
design the weeder which minimize the human effort and provide efficient work output.
Accordingly, the present proposal is directed to an improved manual weeding since
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 4
weeds can be killed easily when they are at early stages of growth. This practice can
also reduce labor and cost substantially. Small holder farmers need low cost
implements which can be purchased or made locally. Therefore the objective of this
project was to develop a small hand weeder to be used for getting rid of young weeds
growing between crop rows and this implementation must be relatively cheap and
could be made locally. Before the existence of chemical weed control, mechanical
weed control was the best option to solve issues related to manual weeding. In
mechanized agriculture, there were times where weeding tools were pulled by draft
animals such as buffaloes and horses, which now in the developed world have
generally been replaced by tractors. There are various types of mechanical weeding
implements in the market that use three main techniques: burying weeds, cutting
weeds and uprooting weeds. The burial of weeds through the action of tillage tools,
and is usually done during land preparation. The earliest and the simplest weed
control method is manual weed control. This method was accomplished by a person
bending down and using their hands to pull weeds out of the soil. This method then
advanced to hand tools, from using a stick to using a hand-hoe. Weed control is one of
the most expensive activities in crop production. To achieve a high yielding vegetable
production, good agricultural practices are required. One of the most important
practices is to properly manage weeds. Weeds affect crop yield due to competition to
acquire plant nutrients and resources. Weeds have very fast growth rates compared to
crops, and if not treated and managed, they may dominate the field. There are various
methods for controlling weed infestation in crop production. Weed control within crop
fields is one of the main problems in organic farming. Some farmers adopt agronomic
practices that improve crop competitiveness such as planting vigorous crop seeds at
relatively shallow depths and planting right after a weed control operation. This
method is used to prevent the weed seeds from germinating before the crop is planted
and to ensure that crop plants emerge before the weed plants. This practice will not
only ensure a maximized crop yield and reduce weed infestation, but also minimize
any economic losses [4].
Let us explore the various weeding techniques that are commonly employed during
the cultivation process.
Weeding methods:
1) Weed mat: For preventing weeds from growing to the surface fibrous cloth
material, bark or newspaper laid on top of the soil is a weed mat also called artificial
mulch. Mulching may broadly be categorized into live mulch and dead mulch.
Mulching is best-suited to wide-row field crops, e.g. cotton, sugarcane, maize, fruit
crops, e.g. citrus, banana, grape and plantation crops, e.g. tea, coffee, rubber etc.[5]
2) Boiling water: If we pour boiling water at base of weed, they will rapidly change
to green and then die in few hours. It is best suited for weed in cracks or hard to reach
locations[5].
3) Ploughing: Tilling of soil, intercultural and summer ploughing all comes under
ploughing.Tilling of soil means uproots of weeds which causes them to die. Ploughing
is done during deep summers helps in killing pests[5].
4) Crop rotation: Crop rotation with such that kill weeds by choking them out as
hemp, Mucuna pruriens, etc can be a very effective method of weed control. So there
will be no use of herbicides, and will gain the benefits of crop rotation [5].
5) Soil solarization: The basic principle behind soil solarization is that light received
from the sun is in the form of electromagnetic short waves, which easily pass through
the transparent colorless polyethene films and reach to soil. As a result, soil is heated
up and emits long-wave terrestrial radiation, A decrease in the heat loss of soil
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 5
through evaporation and convection is the main cause of increase in soil temperature
by transparent polyethene films [5].
6) Mechanically tilling around plants: Tillage is the manipulation of soil with tools
and implements for loosening the surface crust and bringing about conditions
favorable for the germination of seeds and growth of crops. The main objectives of
tillage are to provide a good seed bed and a root bed for smooth germination and
better root growth and subsequent rapid seedling establishment and to reduce/control
initial flushes of weeds by means of exhausting weed seed bank. It also reduces
population of perennial weeds by exhausting food reserves of the vegetative
structures[5].
7) Manually pulling weeds: Manual weeding effectively controls annual weeds
having erect and upright growth, while weeds growing prostrate, rosette and
horizontal get frequently cut/soil surface on pulling by hands and may
rejuvenate/regenerate from tap roots left inside the soil [5].
Among all weeding techniques, manual weeding is indeed the most commonly
employed method by small-scale farmers due to its simplicity and low cost. To ease
the burden on these manual weeders, designing and fabricating a simple garden
weeder tool can significantly improve efficiency and comfort in the weeding process.
Implementing such a tool will help reduce the physical strain and time involved in
maintaining weed-free gardens, ultimately supporting better crop yields and farmer
well-being.
Goal
Design and fabricate a simple garden weeder tool suitable for small scale farmers in Papau New
Guinea.
Objectives
The project aims to achieve several key objectives that focus on:
i. Ease of manufacture and operation:The design will utilize basic materials and
straightforward assembly processes, ensuring farmers can easily replicate and maintain
the weeder.
ii. Reduction of labor-intensive weed control: The weeder will be meticulously
engineered to alleviate the physical exertion associated with weed eradication, thereby
enabling farmers to concentrate on other critical responsibilities..
iii. Efficiency: The weeder will incorporate sharp blades or tines that can cut through soil
and weeds without clogging, ensuring that a high number of weeds can be removed in a
short time.
iv. Low-cost machine: By using affordable materials and a simple design, the weeder can
be produced and sold at a low price point, making it accessible for all farmers.
v. Highly precise: The design will include features that allow for accurate targeting of
weeds while avoiding damage to crops, such as adjustable settings to adapt to different
plant sizes.
vi. Less maintenance: The weeder’s construction will involve durable materials that
require minimal upkeep, allowing farmers to spend less time on repairs and more time on
their field.
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 6
Methodology
Problem Literature Fabrication of
Designing
Identification Review components
Testing Assembling
a) Problem Identification
Labor Intensity: Traditional manual weeding methods require significant labor
input, leading to increased costs and time constraints for farmers.
Environmental Impact: Chemical herbicides used for weed control pose
environmental risks, including soil contamination and water pollution, while also
potentially harming beneficial organisms and biodiversity.
Crop Damage: Mechanical weed removal methods, such as hoeing or tilling, can
inadvertently damage crops or their root systems, reducing overall yield and
quality.[6]
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 7
b) Literature Review
The innovation of this project stemmed from a comprehensive review of existing
literature, which highlighted the pressing need for sustainable solutions to weed
control in agriculture. Traditional manual weeding methods are labor-intensive and
time-consuming, while chemical herbicides pose environmental and health risks.
Through extensive literature collection and analysis, it became evident that there is a
critical gap in the market for an efficient, eco-friendly alternative. By synthesizing
insights from various sources, including studies on electric and manual weeder
prototypes and alternative weed control techniques, this project aimed to address this
gap and contribute to the advancement of agricultural technology. The literature
review served as the foundation for the development of a manual weeder prototype
that not only improves efficiency and effectiveness in weed removal but also
minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable farming practices.
Literature articles
Article About
i. DESIGN AND The development of an electric weeder (e-weeder) designed to
FABRICATION OF reduce labor costs and time in agriculture while providing an
E-WEEDER efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional manual weeding
methods and chemical herbicides.
ii. HAND PUSH Highlights the necessity of adaptability and innovation in order to
MECHANICAL thrive in a fast-changing environment.
WEEDER.
iii. PAPUA NEW Papua New Guinea Smallholder Agriculture Development Project
GUINEA (SADP) faced significant challenges due to vague project
Smallholder objectives, poor monitoring and evaluation systems, insufficient
Agriculture funding for community-driven development components, and a
Development complex design that hindered effective implementation, ultimately
Project leading to modest relevance and high risks to achieving sustainable
development outcomes despite some improvements in smallholder
yields and palm oil income.
iv. A SURVEY ON The article emphasizes the need for effective mechanical weeding
PERFORMANCE solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce labor costs,
EVALUATION OF and ensure food safety in response to growing consumer demands.
DIFFERENTTYPE
S OF WEEDER
v. Design and The article discusses the design, optimization, and experimental
Experiment of a evaluation of a High-Clearance Mid-Tillage Weeder (HMTW)
High-Clearance developed specifically for mechanical weed control in dryland
Mid-Tillage farming, addressing the needs of high-stalk crops such as corn,
Weeder for dry- sorghum, and buckwheat at various growth stages.
land farming
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 8
c) DESIGN
Design constitutes the intricate process of formulating a comprehensive plan or
specification for the construction or creation of an object or concept. It involves a
variety of activities, such as researching, brainstorming, sketching. The goal of design
is to solve problems, improve functionality, and create a better user experience. In
this project, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) will be employed as a fundamental tool
for the design and development process, which is increasingly becoming a standard
practice in the field of engineering and product design. The software that has been
identified as the preferred platform for this endeavor is SolidWorks, a powerful and
versatile CAD application renowned for its sophisticated parametric design
capabilities. Utilizing SolidWorks will enable the creation of intricate 3D models and
assemblies with remarkable precision, streamlining the workflow from conception to
execution. By leveraging its robust features, including simulation, sheet metal design,
and rendering tools, the project aims to enhance not only the visual aesthetics but also
the functional integrity of the final product.
Enclosed herein is a proposed conceptual CAD design with different views intended
for the fabrication of the weeder tool.
Subsequent design enhancements will be predicated upon an assessment of more
requirements.
Top view Isometric view
Exploded view Side view
Back view
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 9
d) Fabrication
The fabrication of a garden weeder components involves a meticulous array of
processes, including welding, cutting, sizing, painting, polishing, dimensioning and
grinding. These operations will be systematically executed within a Mechanical
Engineering laboratory, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards. Each stage
of the fabrication process is critical in producing a durable and efficient tool designed
to enhance gardening activities.
In the initial phase, raw materials will be carefully selected and cut to the desired
dimensions, ensuring that each piece meets the specifications required for optimal
performance. Following this, techniques such as welding are employed to securely
bond different parts, bolstering the structural integrity of the final product.
Subsequently, the components undergo grinding and polishing, refining their surfaces
to enhance both their aesthetic appeal and functionality. The application of paint not
only adds a visually pleasing finish but also provides protective qualities, preventing
rust and wear from environmental exposure.
e) Assemmbling
The assembly process involves meticulous joining and fastening, guaranteeing that
the garden weeder is robust and reliable, ready to meet the demands of garden
enthusiasts and professionals alike.
f) Testing
We will test the time taken efficiency of manul-weeder with the manual weeding
methods.
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 10
Summary
Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector is vital, representing a quarter of the nation’s
GDP. Despite this, farming productivity is constrained by the laborious, costly, and
inefficient weed management practices. The project acknowledges that manual
weeding, while low-cost, demands enormous labor inputs and is physically exhausting
for farmers who cannot invest in more mechanized solutions. The loss in yields
caused by weed competition can be devastating, ranging from 20% to as much as 80%
in extreme cases, underscoring the urgency for intervention. Manual weeding
typically involves physically uprooting weeds, a tedious task that not only consumes
labor hours but also exposes workers to ergonomic injuries. Mechanical solutions that
exist today, such as electric or tractor-pulled weeders, are incompatible economically
for small-scale farmers and often require technical know-how unavailable in remote
or impoverished areas. Consequently, a simple, hand-operated garden weeder with
sharp, clog-resistant blades tailored to inter-row and intra-row weed control can
eliminate some of these barriers.The literature review conducted highlights prior art
and research in weed control and reveals that electric weeders and high-clearance
mid-tillage weeders represent technological advancements but fail to address cost
accessibility. Other methods like mulching and soil solarization, while effective, are
labor or material intensive or not well suited to certain crop systems. A tool
combining the best aspects of manual approaches and mechanical efficiency, designed
with user ergonomics and simplicity, holds great promise.The project’s emphasis on
CAD-driven design using SolidWorks enables the creation of detailed 3D models that
simulate tool operation and identify design weaknesses before physical production.
This process is pivotal for engineering efficient, durable, and user-friendly
agricultural implements. Incorporating adjustable features that allow farmers to
modulate blade height or tine spacing enhances versatility and crop safety—critical
traits for adoption in diverse farming conditions.Fabrication processes outlined—such
as welding, grinding, painting, and assembly—are realistic for local workshops or
mechanical labs in PNG. This local capability ensures the weeder can be produced
within the country, reducing import dependency and costs. By minimizing manual
labor intensity, the tool can improve farmers’ work quality of life, allowing them to
focus on other agronomic activities or increase cultivated area. Beyond the economic
implications, reducing reliance on chemical herbicides supports environmental
sustainability, protecting soil health and biodiversity, aligning with global trends
towards organic and safe food production.The proposed testing phase, comparing
manual weeder efficiency with traditional manual weeding, will be critical in
quantifying labor savings, time reduction, and perhaps yield improvements or crop
safety benefits. These metrics will inform iterative design refinements and
demonstrate value to potential users and stakeholders, enhancing prospects for
adoption. In conclusion, this project represents a balanced, thoughtful approach to
agricultural tool development that respects both farmer realities and environmental
imperatives. By bridging the gap between available technology and resource-
constrained farming conditions, it seeks to promote sustainable, productive agriculture
within Papua New Guinea, with potential applicability in other similar contexts
worldwide.
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PROJECT PROPOSAL 11
Reference list
[1] A. Moses SEDARA IDa and O. Seun SEDARA IDa, “A Review on Inter-row
Crops Mechanical Weeder,” 2020. [Online]. Available:
https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/turkager
[2] “PAPUA NEW GUINEA Smallholder Agriculture Development Project,” 2018.
[Online]. Available: www.worldbank.org
[3] I. M. Binni, A. L. Rabiu, M. H. Kabir, and A. N. Jibril, “Online) An Open Access,”
2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.cibtech.org/jet.htm
[4] R. K. Mishra, “Modification, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Manual
Weeder.” [Online]. Available: www.ijfmr.com
[5] M. G. Jadhav and K. Sawale, “Design and Fabrication of Manually Operated
Weeder with Pesticides Sprayer,” 2016. [Online]. Available: www.irjet.net
[6] B. Mano, G. Aravind, R. Guna, R. R. Harikartick, and U. G. Students, “DESIGN
AND FABRICATION OF E-WEEDER 1.” [Online]. Available: www.theacademic.in
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