Development of a Small-scale Automatic Deseeding Machine for Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

Abstract

Phyllanthus emblica L. (commonly known as amla) is a tree native to India and Southeast Asia, producing fruits that are rich in bioactive compounds. These compounds have gained significant attention due to the growing interest in naturally occurring substances with potential biological activity. Traditionally, amla stones are removed using manual punching, crushing machines, or boiling methods. However, these conventional techniques are time-consuming, labor-intensive, tedious, unhygienic, and uneconomical. To overcome these limitations, an innovative amla deseeding machine equipped with a hopper and three punchers has been developed. The machine is designed to punch each amla fruit efficiently, separating the seed while preserving the maximum amount of pulp. The segmented fruit pieces are collected in trays, thereby streamlining the process and reducing manual handling. This approach enhances productivity, ensures uniformity in fruit size and quality, and is highly suitable for small- and medium-scale processing units.