Performance evaluation of NCAM developed coffeedepulping machine

Abstract

Despite the fact that Coffee (Coffeaarabica) is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and it is second largest traded commodity after petroleum (Mussato et al., 2011). It is highly economical but its production in Nigeria is fast declining as a result of inadequate processing technologies necessary to help eliminate the high level of drudgery associated with manual dehulling and polishing of coffee beans (Gbabo et al., 2013). For the purpose of eliminating the drudgery, increasing both the quantity and quality of coffee beans production, the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Ilorin designed and developed a machine for depulping freshly harvested coffee and a machine for polishing dried coffee beans.