TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A LOCALLY FABRICATED SEMI-AUTOMATED GROUNDNUT PROCESSING PLANT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

Groundnut processing is important for food security, value addition, and income generation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. However, many processors rely on traditional roasting methods that are labor-intensive, inefficient, and difficult to control. This study presents a techno-economic analysis of a locally fabricated semi-automated groundnut processing plant developed to improve efficiency and lower operational costs of groundnut processing. The plant integrates decorticating, soaking, drying, roasting, and peeling units into a single system. Performance evaluation was conducted using 5 kg batches of groundnuts at roasting temperatures ranging from 120°C to 170°C. The indicators included roasting efficiency, throughput capacity, moisture reduction, and energy consumption. The results showed a mean roasting efficiency of 94.73%, average throughput of 9.9 kg/h, moisture reduction efficiency of 76.4%, and average energy consumption of 0.29 kWh. The optimum roasting condition occurred at approximately 150°C, with the highest roasting efficiency of 97.2%. Economic evaluation showed a total fabrication cost of ₦1,974,500, making the plant a cost-effective alternative to imported equipment for the local industry. The study indicates that it is technically efficient, economically viable, and suitable for SMEs, with the potential to reduce post-harvest losses