Innovative developments and modern technical means for seeded hemp harvesting

Hemp growing is becoming a promising direction for the development of agriculture in Russia in the coming years due to the tasks of import substitution of cotton for domestic fiber from hemp and flax. The most important technological process in the cultivation of seeded hemp is its harvesting, which requires the use of specialized equipment and equipment due to the peculiarities of the structure of the stem and the significant height of the crops. The purpose of this work is to study the issue of technical equipment of domestic hemp growing and to find modern machines and technical solutions for hemp harvesting. Cannabis sativa L. is cultivated for seeds, fiber, and two-way use. Hence, various technologies are used for its harvesting. In our country, hemp harvesting equipment has not been produced for a long time; classic combines and general-purpose machines are used for harvesting crops. The technique used in hemp growing farms in Russia is considered. Combine harvesters such as PALESSE – GS12, ACROS – 585/595, Don – 1500B, etc., are adapted to collect hemp seeds; the flow of the process and high-quality threshing are ensured. However, an uncut stem with a height of 1.2 meters remains in the field. For harvesting crops for fiber (‘zelenets’), innovative machines have been developed based on domestic forage harvesters Don – 680M and RSMF – 2450 with a set of conversions for hemp. Field tests of prototypes have shown a positive result. Harvesters completely cut the stems, chop them into 50 cm lengths and put them in a swath, but do not comb them from green leaves and inflorescences. Based on the results of the work, a scheme of an innovative universal hemp harvester was proposed for harvesting sowing hemp in all directions of cultivation. Its application will fully mechanize the process of sowing hemp harvesting, collecting seeds and stems and obtaining high-quality hemp raw materials.