Chinese researchers develop lightweight carrot combine harvester

NANJING -- Chinese researchers have developed a lightweight carrot combine harvester designed to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs in carrot farming. The new machine, developed by the Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, with the support of the Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, addresses key technical challenges in carrot combine harvesting. The harvester mainly solves the problems of high digging resistance, breaking off the carrot tops when clamping, and inconsistent cutting of the carrot tops, according to the NIAM. NIAM researchers say the machine significantly boosts efficiency while minimizing harvest losses and cutting labor costs.