ABSTRACT
Size reduction plays a vital role in the postharvest processing of raw plantain, leading to improved operations and the creation of storable and value-added products. In Nigeria, the exploration of mechanized methods for processing raw plantain is driven by its health benefits, medicinal properties, economic value, and industrial applications. As a result, the demand for plantain and its derived products is rapidly increasing and must be met. Since plantain is highly perishable, it is crucial to process it into easily transportable, value-added, and storable forms, ensuring its availability throughout the year and minimizing postharvest losses. Undoubtedly, size reduction is a critical process in raw plantain processing and deserves special attention. To address postharvest food losses, food insecurity, and unstable food prices in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, it is necessary to review and optimize this process. This article examines previous research on size reduction techniques employed in the production of plantain chips, flour, and other products. The review also considers various factors and properties that influence the design of plantain slicers. Additionally, it outlines the essential components of a typical plantain slicer, the procedures involved in its development, and provides recommendations for further research and areas that require attention. It is evident that the adaptability of plantain slicers needs to be enhanced, making them more flexible and reconfigurable. By combining and modifying certain plantain slicers, it is possible to create versatile domestic, commercial, or industrial plantain slicers that can effectively process raw plantain and other crops into chips. V This project presents the design and development of a plantain slicing machine, which aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of plantain processing industries. The machine utilizes innovative slicing techniques to achieve precise and consistent cuts, reducing manual labor and increasing output. This study encompasses various aspects of the machine's design, including the literature review, research methods employed, analysis of the machine's performance, and concludes with a summary, conclusion, and recommendations for further improvements
