COURSE: BSC AGRICULTURE AND BIOSYSTEM ENGINEERING

NAME: MURIITHI MATHEW NG’ETHE

REG NO: ENB211-0121/2019

INDUSTRY: ATDC RUIRU

PERIOD: JANUUARY 15TH–APRIL 12TH (3 MONTHS)

DATE OF SUBMISSION: MAY 2024

Declaration

Declaration by the student

This attachment report is a product of activities I carried out in ATDC Ruiru .

Signature: ………………………….…………. Date:

………………………………..

MURIITHI MATHEW NG’ETHE

Reg No: ENB211-0121/2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this pleasure to thank the Almighty God for the far I have come. The Lord has been
faithful throughout the entire journey which has not been entirely smooth.

I also extend great pleasure to my able internal supervisors Eng. Amos Kiptanui and Mr. Kamau
for their continuous guidance and supervision throughout the entire attachment period.

I would also wish to thank my fellow attaches who we worked together day to day in the quest of
attaining maximum knowledge and skills offered at the company.

I recognize also the effort from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology
fraternity especially the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department who gave us a
chance to undertake the industrial attachment and provided us with each and every relevant
support we required in the entire period.

To Agricultural Technology Development Center for giving me a chance to learn and grow my
career in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
ABSTRACT
Attachment is one requirement for the award of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering degree
at J.K.U.A.T, this report was undertaken in Agricultural Technology Development Center at
Ruiru for 3months. The center deals with agro processing and value addition with an aim of
reducing food wastage, promoting food security and providing income generation for farmers
and SMEs. It also sources for tests, modifies, validates and promote agro processing technologies
for SMEs and also trains farmers on conservation of agriculture technologies and provides
agricultural mechanization services in land preparation, planting, spraying and harvesting and
utilization of renewable energy by constructing solar driers to fasten drying. In the report I have
also included the activities I was involved in during the attachment, which included: training of
farmers on site and in the center and also went to some exhibition to advertise products and
services offered in the organization, fabrication of machine, repair and maintenance of
equipment and more. The attachment aimed at providing an opportunity to apply the theoretic
learned in class in real life thus I have included the challenges faced and how I encountered
them, the skills gained, conclusion and recommendation.
DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................3

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................7

1.1: OBJECTIVE OF FIELD ATTACHMENT..........................................................................8

1.2: ORGANISATION LOCATION...........................................................................................8

1.3: HISTORY OF THE ORGANISATION...............................................................................9

Mandate....................................................................................................................................9

Vision.......................................................................................................................................9

Mission.....................................................................................................................................9

1.4: ORGANISATION STRUCTURE......................................................................................10

1.5: MAIN FUCTION OF THE ORGANISATION.................................................................11

CHAPTER 2: MAIN PROGRAM CARRIED IN THE ORGANISATION.................................11

2.1: Agro processing and value addition technologies..............................................................11

2.2: Training and Incubation of SMEs.......................................................................................11

2.3: Agricultural Mechanization................................................................................................12

2.4: Solar drier............................................................................................................................12

CHAPTER 3: MAIN ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING ATTACHMENT.....................12

3.1: Farm machinery..................................................................................................................12

3.1.1: Mechanized auger........................................................................................................12

3.1.2: Brush cutter..................................................................................................................13

3.1.3: Walking tractor.............................................................................................................13

3.1.4: Jab Planters...................................................................................................................13

3.1.5: Hand Rotator/Rotary tiller...............................................................................................14

3.2: Processing unit....................................................................................................................14

 3.2.1: Electric Multi Slicer.....................................................................................................14

3.2.2: Grain roster...................................................................................................................14

3.2.3: Disc mill.......................................................................................................................15

3.2.4: Pelletizer.......................................................................................................................15

3.2.5: Potato Peeler.................................................................................................................16

3.3: Solar Drier...........................................................................................................................16

How to dry vegetables............................................................................................................16

How to dry fruits....................................................................................................................17

3.4: Exhibition and Shows.........................................................................................................18

3.5: Visiting and Training of farmers.........................................................................................18

CHAPTER 4: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE...............................................................................19

4.1: Skills gained........................................................................................................................19

4.2: Challenges encountered......................................................................................................20

4.3: How I overcome the challenges..........................................................................................20

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................20

5.1: CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................20

5.2: RECOMMENDATION......................................................................................................20

APENDICES.................................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

In most parts of Kenya, more specifically in central provinces the land are very steeply and
covered with trees therefore it’s very difficult to till with the four wheel tractor. Also due to
small portion of land owned by the local people around Ruiru area and practice small farming it
will be very costly to buy or hire a four wheel tractor for tilling, planting, weeding and
harvesting. In order to overcome these problem there is a need to introduce small implements;
such as walking tractor, push and jab planters, rotary tiller and small boom sprayer. Also in
Kenya, like in most other developing countries, a lot of food is lost through spoilage and due to
the fact that not all of it can be consumed during peak production. The situation is worse for
perishable food such as fruits and vegetables. In order to overcome these problem there is need
to introduce appropriate post-harvest technologies; such as processing to the farmers.

1.1: OBJECTIVE OF FIELD ATTACHMENT

 To provide an opportunity for students to apply the principles and techniques
theoretically learnt into real-life problem-solving situations.
 To provide an opportunity for students and academic staff to interact with the stake
holders and potential employers and thus appreciate field situations that will also generate
information for curricular review and improvement.
 To develop understanding of work ethics, employment demand, responsibilities and
opportunities
 To establish industrial network and develop skills reguired to cop up with the out
growing agricultural activities and technology.
 To gain practical experience, working ethics, self- reliance skills and to contribute to the
industry by increasing the man power.

1.2: ORGANISATION LOCATION

The organization is located in Ruiru which is 20km from the capital city Nairobi and it’s in
Kiambu County. The sub county is measures 292km2, with an elevation of 1565m and a
population of 37111. The center is more specifically located in Jacaranda village which is 11km
from Ruiru Town, the local people mainly involve in small farming mostly maize, beans, tubers
and vegetables planting but for the large farming they mainly practice coffee farming. The
climate of the area is mostly cool and wet which is more favorable for many crops.

1.3: HISTORY OF THE ORGANISATION

Agriculture Technology Development Center station was started in 1990 with an objective
developing sound and appropriate Agriculture engineering technologies. Its located in central
province 11km from Ruiru town, it covers the central province and its environment that is;
Kiambu County, Kirinyaga County, Nyandarua County, Murang’a County,Nyeri County and
Nairobi County.

Mandate
Agricultural technology development center is a section of the ministry of agriculture whose
mandate is developing, up scaling and promoting agricultural engineering technologies and
incubation of SME’s in agro processing

Vision
To be a leading center towards achievement of food security for all, employment creation,
income generation and poverty reduction within the mandate area.

Mission
To improve the livelihood of farmers by developing and promoting sustainable and competitive
agricultural technologies through provision of engineering support services to enhance food
security, incomes and employment.
 1.4: ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

CENTRE ENGINEER(MANAGER)

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
te TET
ENGINEER

MECHANISATION ENGINEER FOOD TECHNOLOGIST

QUALITY DESIGN AND AGRO

PROCESSING CHIEF FOOD
ASSUARANCE FABRICATION
ENGINEER TECHNOLOGIST
ENGINEER ENGINEER

QUALITY DESIGN AND

ASSURANCE FABRIACTIO DRAFTSMAN SENIOR FOOD
OFFICER N ENGINEER TECHNOLOGIST

INSPECTION AND MACHINE

TESTING OFFICER OPERATOR

ARTISANS
1.5: MAIN FUCTION OF THE ORGANISATION
 Development of appropriate technologies on agro processing and value addiction.
 Testing and calibration of new and in use equipment and machinery.
 Agricultural mechanization in land preparation, planting, spraying, weeding and
harvesting.
 Technical assistance on renewable energy structures such as solar energy utilization.
 Stakeholders collaboration with research agencies, government institution, NGO’s and
farmers in the development technologies
 Data collection, feasibility study, survey, design and supervision of projects undertaken
by the ministry.
 Soil water application and conservation with special emphasis on farm water harvesting,
conservation agriculture, irrigation and soil erosion control.
 Advising the farmers on agricultural activities and equipment and machinery set up.

CHAPTER 2: MAIN PROGRAM CARRIED IN THE ORGANISATION

2.1: Agro processing and value addition technologies
At ATDC Ruiru performs agro processing and value addition with an aim of reducing food
wastage, promoting food security and providing income generation for farmers and SMEs.
ATDC Ruiru sources for tests, modifies, validates and promote agro processing technologies for
SMEs. The equipment available are metal grain silo, motorized maize Sheller, banana ripener,
peanut butter machine, groundnut decorticator grinder, multipurpose mill, juice extractor, multi
slicer, pasteurizer, honey extractor, kerosene egg incubator, potato peeler, heat gun, impulse
sealer, oil expeller, cup sealer, feed mixer, model greenhouse drier, cassava grater, cassava
grinder and macadamia nut cracker.

2.2: Training and Incubation of SMEs

ATDC Ruiru conducts SMEs training on Agro processing and value addition; while covering
product development, good hygiene practices, packaging and labeling, storage, and KEBS
certification.
2.3: Agricultural Mechanization
ATDC Ruiru trains farmers on conservation of agriculture technologies and provides agricultural
mechanization services in land preparation, planting, spraying and harvesting. The agricultural
mechanization equipment available are; planters: jab and push planters, motorized knapsack
sprayer, walking tractor, seed drill, moldboard plough, rotary tiller, power tiller, mechanized soil
auger, and motorized brush cutter

2.4: Solar drier

ATDC Ruiru trains its customers and local farmers on importance of using renewable energy,
construction of solar energy and also can construct the solar drier for the farmer as long as the
farmer has the equipment needed to construct the solar drier and incase the farmer is unable to
construct his/her own solar drier he/she can use the organization solar drier after being trained on
how to use it and safety measures.

CHAPTER 3: MAIN ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING ATTACHMENT

3.1: Farm machinery
3.1.1: Mechanized auger
This is motorized machine which is hand operated and is used to drill holes in the soil. The holes
drilled by the auger can be used for posts, planting trees and bananas among others. Auger is also
used in special function for digging trenches and channels. The auger in the workshop is used to
drill holes of 30cm in diameter and 90cm in depth but the depth mainly depend on the use of the
hole.

The shaft on the auger has a steel boring head and coiled teeth that screw through the earth
bringing the soil up to the surface. As the shaft rotates, the coiled cutting blades dig through the
soil through the soil cutting and pulling it up to the surface as it rises up the coils. The auger
engine weight allows it to be operated by one person.
3.1.2: Brush cutter
It’s a mechanical device that can be attached to different implements to suit the farmer work. It
consists of a blade for cutting the weeds, a fulcrum wheel for push –pull movement and a long
handle for easy operations. This is an implement used for small scale weeding between rows of
planted crops

3.1.3: Walking tractor

This is a tractor with one axle, self-propelled, which can pull and power various farm
implements such as cultivators or harrow. The walking tractor is operated as the operator walk
behind. It is equipped with oil bath gears and bearings. The wheels motion is independent from
the PTO to which the attachments is connected. This simplifies the transport and makes the
tractor safe and easy to use. The rotary unit of the tractor consist of 4/6 sets of hoes made of
steel that succeed in finely cutting the soil per every revolution. The handle bars are adjustable in
order to meet each operator needs. To operate the tractor all is required is to squeeze the handle
and it engage the drive. The operator speed dictates the walking tractor speed. The walking
tractor is designed in a way it achieve safety and ensure efficiency in operation

3.1.4: Jab Planters

Hand-jab planters are popular amongst small-scale farmers. They are the primary means of
sowing seeds under no-tillage for most farmers. The implement is also suitable for filling in gaps
after crop germination. The implement may have either separate hoppers for seed and fertilizer
or one hopper for seed only.

How to operate a jab planter

The action of pulling the handles apart triggers the seeds/fertilizer to be conveyed from the
hopper to temporarily settle at the furrow opener. This action occurs simultaneously with
piercing the soil. The second action which occurs immediately after the first one is pulling the
handles together. This action triggers the opening of the furrow opener in order to deliver the
seed/fertilizer in the created planting furrow. The action also triggers the closing of the
seed/fertilizer metering devices.

These two actions are undertaken repeatedly, and they have to be synchronized with the
operator’s footsteps in order to achieve the desired plant population. The operator will need to
carefully listen to the dropping sounds made at every action to ascertain that indeed the
implement is planting and there is no blockage. Seeding rates can be adjusted according to the
number of holes in the seed plate that are exposed to the outlet.

3.1.5: Hand Rotator/Rotary tiller

This is a single cylinder engine petrol powered implement that utilizes its set of curved tines that
are attached to a rotating shaft to dig into soil and turn it into a seedbed that is ready for planting.
It helps in conserving soil moisture and pulverizes soil up to a 6 inch depth. After various testing
on the performance of the rotary tiller at the station it worked best for secondary tillage and also
in preparation of seedbeds. It is use as a substitute for a cultivator, harrow and leveler.

The function component includes; tines, rotor, transmission system, universal joint, handle,
levelling board, shield, depth control arrangement and clutch. The tines are fixed to the rotor and
the rotor with tines revolves in the same direction as the tractor wheels.

3.2: Processing unit

3.2.1: Electric Multi Slicer
The multi slicer is an equipment that is used to slice fruit, tubers and vegetables into different
shapes and sizes depending on the blade used. The multi slicer contains blades of different sizes
and shape.the slicer is used for size reduction and it operates on a rotating circular blade The
slicer is connected to electricity which is connected to the shaft of the multi slicer which rotates
the blades at 400rpm which is used to slice the products. The product is fed to the slicer through
the hopper. During the attachment I did slicing of tubers, fruits and vegetables which were later
dried. The slicing fasten the rate of drying.

We were required to test the efficiency of using the slicer compared to slicing it manually.
Pumpkin was first sliced into manageable pieces that would fit in the hopper of the slicer and
then the slices were then fed to the hopper and sliced while the slicer was being timed. The
slicing of 10kg pumpkin took 15 minutes. Therefore we concluded that the slicer can slice 40kg
in 1hr which is 4 times efficient than manual slicing.

3.2.2: Grain roster

Roasting is a slow-cooking process, using indirect, diffused heat to cook its ingredients. It is a
dry-heat cooking method where hot air surrounds the food and cooks it evenly on all sides at a
temperature of at least 300 °F (or 150 °C). The heat can also be derived from an open flame, an
oven, or another heat source. We used the grain roster to roast groundnuts, the grain roster was
faster and efficient since it could roast 50kg of groundnuts in 1hr. though after 2hrs of working
we noted that the roaster coil had stated producing some sparks which was destroying the
groundnuts.
Since the grain roaster had developed some mechanical problems, the coils was replaced after
noticing it had rusted thus being less efficient.
3.2.3: Disc mill
Disc mills are machines utilized for crushing or grinding medium-hard materials like grains. Its
robust design makes it suitable for both domestic and commercial purposes. To produce fine
grains the disc, have special configuration; the base configuration of disc mills is a simple disc
mill that varies in diameter depending on processing capability. The plates rotate at a particular
speed enough to crush the cereal grain to produce fine flour that can either be wet or dry.

The material to be ground is crushed using great pressure by counteracting grinding discs made
from hardened steel. High pressure, impact forces and friction are the primary forces that
produce the final product: flour, wheat, or any other cereal you want to crush.

Considering it is a piece of versatile machinery, it is upon the user to determine what they would
like to grind. Disc mills are relatively inexpensive to run and maintain however, it tend to require
frequent maintenance. Discs may experience wear over time as they grind various materials,
which can reduce performance. The machines also produce a large amount of dust, and must be
carefully ventilated when used in an indoor workspace.

3.2.4: Pelletizer
The motorized feeds pelletizer is used to make pellets from different types of feed required by
the animal. It has a die, which is attached to a rotating shaft and a roller on top of the die, which
presses the feed through the perforation of the die. The clearance between the die and the roller is
about 0.2mm. The die revolves at 600rpm powered by a motor. The power transmission is
through pulley and belts.

Testing the efficiency and analyzing the pelletizer machine.

5kg of animal feeds was directly feed to the hopper and the machine started. The machine took
6minutes to fully pelletize all the feeds. Therefore the machine can do 40kg per hour. The actual
efficiency of the machine is 89% basing on what was produced.

After doing the pelletizing it was noticed that the perforation of the die had clogged and needed
to be cleaned though different ways were tested on how to clean it but they were very laborious
and ineffective. Though when using chemical process of adding lime to the machine offer
pelletizing was effective when dipped in weak citric acid.

3.2.5: Potato Peeler

It’s a machine that is used to peel potatoes, though after peeling the potatoes with the motor
driven potato peeler, the waste were not properly disposed from the exhaust duct. The duct is
hanging 31cm from the groung, therefore it splashes the waste on the ground making the
working area very messy. Therefore there is a need to design collector that will be attached on
the exhaust duct to collect and temporary hold the waste during the operation session.

3.3: Solar Drier

In Kenya, like in most other developing countries, a lot of food is lost through spoilage and due
to the fact that not all of it can be consumed during peak production. The situation is worse for
perishable food such as fruits and vegetables. In order to overcome these problem there is need
to introduce appropriate post-harvest technologies; such as drying to the farmers.

Drying is part of the wider concept of agro processing practice which is very essential in
increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables thus ensuring that food is available during off
season. Fruits and Vegetables are plentiful in some months of the year and scarce in others.
There is no simple and economic method to preserve them and most of this produce is left to rot.

Drying removes most of the water from the fruits and vegetables reducing their decay and
spoilage thus extending the shelf life and thus ensuring that such foods are available in the off
season. It also increases the convenience in use and the value of the crops while the nutrition
value of the dried food is very minimal. It also makes transport cheaper and easier through
reduced weight and bulkiness.

How to dry vegetables

 Select vegetables to be dried at peak flavor and quality.
  Wash leaves in clean water
 Blanch the leaves
 Cut vegetables into flakes and remove large stems.
 Spread leaves evenly in the dryer in the morning
 Check the leaves in mid-morning, afternoon and evening to reposition them for
even drying.

NB. Drying takes 2-3 days and blanching is mainly done when food is to be stored for a long
period.

The leaves are used when they are brittle remove course fibers and grind to fine powder. Leaves
powder should be introduced gradually to children and you can replace up to 20gm of baking
recipes with leaves powder.

How to dry fruits

 Select fruits that are nearly ripe and at peak flavor and quality(not too soft)
 Wash fruits in clean water.
 Peel the fruits when necessary(some are not peeled)
 Slice the fruits using a multi slicer more preferably less than 3mm to increase the drying
rate
 Dip in lemon water/juice or in sodium metasulphate to prevent deoxygenation and
changing of the dried fruit color.
 Orient the dryer to gate maximum exposure to the sunlight.
 Spread the fruit slices evenly in the dryer in the morning(single layer)
 Check the fruits in the mid-morning and midafternoon to reposition them for even drying.

Drying takes 3-4 days

The dried fruits can be eaten in their dried and preserved state or mixed with other food products
to make snacks. They can also be reconstituted by soaking in water. Some fruits can milled to
produce flour which can be used as flavors when added to foods.
3.4: Exhibition and Shows
We visited some exhibition and shows, the aim of the expo was to highlight the future
advancement in agriculture, farm mechanization, and irrigation and protection solution. We also
exhibit the organization machine, activities and products in Nyandarua County held from 8th to
9th February 2024.

3.5: Visiting and Training of farmers

As part of ATDC Ruiru services and my activities during the attachment we visited some
farmers in their local area to help in installation of machine and also assist theme to understand
more about value addition in products more specifically when drying and steps to be followed
for more effective and efficient drying.

The team led by Eng. Kamau on 2nd February 2024, we visited farmers in Gatundu North sub
county, to help in installation of a horizontal feed mixer which was donated to the farmers
organization by the county government of Kiambu to assist them to deal with the high cost of
animal feed.

During the trouble shooting exercise we found out;

 The room was very congested with no ventilation and also the roofing was very short
 The feed mixer had sharp edges which could be very risky for the operator.
 The feed mixer had no stable stands so due to the shaking of the machine it destroyed the
floor.

Also on 24th February 2024, we were asked to troubleshoot at Gatundu South constituency why
drying of fruits and vegetables was not efficient. Preliminary investigation showed that the fruits
were being “cooked” in the dryer instead of being dried.

The team conducted a troubleshooting and found the following;

I. There was no ventilation on top of the drier for the hot air to escape
II. The vents at the bottom of the drier were always closed and therefore no air circulation.
III. The humidity inside the drier was very high and therefore the fruits color was altered.
IV. The were no hydration unit for users who worked inside the hot aired drier

The proposed solution

 I. Make a proper ventilation on top of the drier for hot air to escape from.
II. Always keep the bottom vents open for free air circulation and for cooling
III. Install a hydration unit where workers hydrate after working inside the drier.

CHAPTER 4: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

4.1: Skills gained
I. Trouble shooting: Troubleshooting is the process involving executing with method (from
the most probable to the least probable cause) and in logical sequence. It involved; take a
first action, test the result obtained and then pass to second action. If a temporary repair is
required, it is advisable to take note of the fault in order to fix the failure properly as soon
as the plant is stopped long enough to do the repair.

II. Team work: the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete
a task in the most effective and efficient way. Finlay had a program namely world class
strategy where it advocate for daily meetings and training within the workplace. This
concept is seen within the greater framework of a team, which is a group of
interdependent individuals who work together towards a common goal.
III. Time management: the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time
between different activities. Done more work within the shortest time possible.
IV. Professionalism: it entails the way you carries yourselves, the attitude towards the work
assigned, and the way you communicate with your colleague’s ad clients.
V. Problem solving techniques: it involves brainstorming multiple solutions, defining
solution and implementing the reached solution.
VI. Business etiquette this was gained during the shows and exhibition I attended when in the
organization since I involved myself in advertisement and selling of the machines and
products manufactured by the organization.

4.2: Challenges encountered

Financial challenges, some Equipment were not in the best condition,thus not able to learn from
them.
4.3: How I overcome the challenges
The only way the challenges were clearly solved was just raising any concern about the
equipment.

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1: CONCLUSION
The industrial attachment was very successful at Agricultural Technology Development Center. I
was able to blend the theoretical knowledge from the class and the practical work during my
training at the company. This inspired me very greatly as I gained a lot of skills in the
engineering field. I am very confident of exploring these acquired skills and knowledge in the
field. During the training I also learnt of the importance and relevance of Agricultural engineers
in the engineering field and the society as a whole. Nevertheless, I was capable of improving my
communication skills and it was a great opportunity as it will help me to develop good
relationship with the people in the society and engineering institution as well.

5.2: RECOMMENDATION
The company should have a programmed list that has the activities to be learned for the eight
weeks to enable the attaches to train efficiently and gain more skills. This would help the
supervisors to train the students with ease to avoid the repetition of the done activities.

The company supervisor should also ensure that the student is gaining a lot while at the
attachment and if possible after every daily training the attaches should be a given a task to
perform to test if what they have learnt they can do it on their own without the assistance from
supervisors.

The company should set aside funds for emergency and projects to ensure repairs and projects
are done in time.