Performance evaluation and business model analysis of the modified jute fiber extraction machine

Abstract

Karupannya (KP) Rangpur Ltd has imported a jute fiber extraction machine from Zhengzhou Shuliy Machinery Company Ltd, China, and it was not working properly in Bangladeshi condition. We redesigned and fabricated the machine at local metal workshops in Bangladesh and evaluated its performance following three business models after modification and also branded with the name “Aashkol.” in four districts of North-west Bangladesh during the jute harvesting time of 2017-19. Forty Aashkol were evaluated using three types of jute, such as Deshi, Tossa, and Kenaf and 10 Aashkols were selected for machine performance evaluation and performance compared with the Imported KP model machine.The jute stem input capacity (4.99 ton/h) of the redesigned Aashkol was 48% higher than the capacity (3.38 ton/h) of the KP imported machine where the ribbon out-put capacity was significantly higher than the KP model. The highest jute stem input capacity of Aashkol was found for Kenaf (5.94 ton/h). The highest ribbon out-put was 1.69 ton/h for Kenaf followed by Tossa and Deshi variety of jute. The highest fiber yield was found at 3.21 ton/ha for using Aashkol based extraction and retting method, which produced a 9% higher yield than the traditional retting method. Extraction and improved retting method with Aashkol required 91% less labor compared with the conventional method. Significantly lowest retting time was found from Aashkol based retting and saved 45% retting time. Among the three business models for Aashkol, the multipurpose use model was the most profitable and recommended to demonstrate the machine widely.