Farmers turn inventors with their mini tractors

Vijaysinh Parmar TNN
Ahmedabad: A small 10 horsepower tractor that can do the work of bullocks many not be news. But, if it’s been invented by a class X dropout, it is! Moreover, this farmer is not the only clever innovator around. There are more than 8,000 mini tractors being used in the state developed by farmers. Bachubhai Thesia (50) of Kalavad in Jamnagar district was looking for a machine to replace bullocks to till his fouracre farm. He did not find conventional tractors suitable and so made his own. “My tractor does the same work as bullocks. When we use a conventional tractor, the farm’s borders remained untilled as the tractor needs space to turn. But, I have devised revolving wheels in front which can be turned 180 degrees. Also, the tractor weighs less, which is good for the soil,” says the budding innovator. The tractor cost only Rs 70,000, while branded tractors cost between Rs 1-5 lakh powered by 45 HP engines. Bachubhai’s innovation is making waves among farmers of the region. Farmers across the state have developed mini tractors customized to their needs. Sometimes, they use branded engines and fit them into a locally-fabricated body. Bharat Agravat from Pikhor village in Junagadh district has recently invented a multipurpose 12 HP tractor. “It can be used for sowing, ploughing and transporting to peripheral areas. The tractor has a hydraulic system and a system of balance which works better than other models. The idea is how to get more work from a small engine. I’m in the process of improving the device,’’ he says. “There are over 50 people, mostly farmers, in Saurashtra, who have made different models of small tractors,’’ says Mansukh Jagani of Mota Devalia village in Amreli district, who is himself one of the inventors. The demand for innovative models is increasing among small and marginal farmers who can neither afford bullocks (as they involve personal care and considerable expense) nor branded tractors, says Pravin Panchal of Idar in Sabarkantha district. Panchal, who has studied up to class VII, recently developed a tractor powered by a 7 HP engine. Bhanjibhai Mathukia of Kalavad village patented his three-tyre small tractor in India and the US. He was among the first farmers who made this model and he even received inputs from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. “The government should encourage farmers who are making innovative agricultural equipment which is cost-effective and easy to adopt. A farmer can’t afford the fees and lengthy process of licensing,’’ says Prof Anil Gupta of Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), who is known for promoting grassroots innovations.