Development and evaluation of a mechanical collecting system for salvinia weed

Abstract

Salvinia harvesting machine is a mechanical device suitable for removal ofsalvinia weed (locally known as African Payal) from the waterways. The harvesting capacity of the equipment is 16 t/h. The estimated cost of the machine is about Rs. 5000 besides the cost of the high head centrifugal pumpset. The operating cost of the equipment is calculated as Rs. 28 per hour and this amounts to a weed clearing cost of Rs. 280from one hectare of weed infested rice field.