Composite Yokes

Uttarakhand's draft animal population includes bullocks buffaloes horses khachchars donkeys and yokes. Bullocks are predominantly used for agricultural tasks necessitating a large number of wooden yokes. The production of these yokes requires substantial amounts of wood contributing to deforestation. To address this environmental concern a study was conducted to develop composite material yokes using locally available resources like silica bagasse paddy straw jute lantana salix and bamboo combined with resin and hardener.The study tested various composite material yoke models for their mechanical properties such as flexural tensile and compressive strengths using specialized equipment. The best composite yoke model showed significant improvements in strength weight and cost compared to traditional wooden yokes. The composite yoke was lighter stronger and more affordable making it a sustainable and effective alternative for farmers thereby helping to reduce deforestation and meet agricultural needs efficiently.