A Review of Shelling, Threshing, De-Hulling and Decorticating Machines

Postharvest operations are activities which improves the value and conditions of agricultural materials. Primary postharvest operations such as shelling, threshing, de-hulling and decortications are very important in pods, seeds and nuts processing. Modern machines for improvement in the condition of pod, seeds and nut have been developed in the recent time. The principle of operation for pods, seeds and nut processing depends significantly on their engineering properties and as such may require different types of mechanism. This is discussed and the missing link in knowledge elucidated, especially on principle of operations of shelling, threshing, de-hulling and decorticating machines as well as factors affecting their efficiencies. The management and routine maintenance of shelling, threshing, de-hulling and decorticating machines are very important for extended useful life as discussed in the present paper.