In the village of Jhalawar, Rajasthan, a groundbreaking innovation is set to revolutionize traditional farming practices. Ramdhan Lodha, an 18-year-old inventor, has developed a solar-powered weed killer machine that promises to reduce labour costs by 50% and boost efficiency by 60%.
Inspiration from Family’s & Farmers Struggles
Raised in a farming family, Ramdhan witnessed firsthand, the challenges faced by farmers, including his own family.
“I witnessed my father and other farmers in our village battling weeds that, if not controlled, could erase months of hard work by reducing crop yields.”
Driven by a vision to reduce these hardships, he harnessed his passion for science and innovation to create a solution.
A Passion for Innovation
From a young age, Ramdhan had a curiosity for science. He immersed himself in experiments and science competitions, laying the groundwork for his future innovations. His dedication culminated in the development of a multipurpose machine that integrates solar power, aiming to reduce physical strain and increase efficiency in farming practices.
To fund his project, Ramdhan participated in various science competitions, amassing crucial resources. At just 15, he crafted his first prototype and won Rs 10,000 in a government competition. This prize money allowed him to develop an initial version of his machine capable of sowing seeds and spraying pesticides.
“I aimed to create a multi-functional machine that could tackle tasks like weed removal and seed sowing. My goal was to make it fully automatic to ease the farmers’ workload,” he explains. With assistance from a local welder, he assembled the machine from old bicycles and other repurposed materials. His father was the first to test the prototype, and soon, other farmers in the village were eager to put it to use as well.
How does the Machine Work?
The machine features a modified bicycle equipped with a solar panel, battery and spray pumps. It’s engineered to perform multiple functions simultaneously, cutting down on time, labor, and the need for expensive machinery. “Our machine can do everything from weed removal to fertilizer spraying, making it a game-changer for small-scale farmers,” Ramdhan explains. It works on both solar power and has a battery, for cloudy days.
The machine comes with adjustable parts and attachments, making it an ideal solution for small-scale farmers. It can perform multiple functions simultaneously, such as removing weeds and spraying fertilizers, saving both time and effort. This efficiency eliminates the need for heavy spray tanks, costly machinery rentals or hiring additional labor.
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Ramdhan’s innovation has garnered substantial recognition, including a Rs 1 lakh prize at the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge. This achievement received recognition and even inquiries from outside the country.
A Vision for the Future
Ramdhan is determined to make his invention widely accessible. He plans to price the machine between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000, aiming to offer a cost-effective solution to farmers who cannot afford more expensive alternatives. His long-term vision includes launching his machine under the brand name “Kisan Rover” and securing support from prominent incubators and investment platforms.
Ramdhan’s journey underscores the transformative power of innovation driven by real-world needs. Ramdhan is committed to empowering farmers and pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology. “Farmers must embrace digital advancements to stay competitive,” Ramdhan concludes, encapsulating his broader vision for the future of agriculture in India.