18-year-old from Rajasthan wants to revolutionize small-scale farming with a solar-powered weed-killing machine, reduce labor costs and increase efficiency

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” For Ramdhan Lodha, a young innovator from the fields of Jhalawar, Rajasthan, this saying couldn’t be truer. At just 18, he had already experienced the hardships of farming life first hand. Seeing his parents and other farmers toiling in the fields for little pay, Ramdhan understood the hardships they faced. “I grew up in a farming family in Rajasthan, where I watched my father and other farmers in our village battle weeds that, if left unchecked, can undo months of hard work by reducing crop yields,” he recalls. These early experiences planted a seed in him—a seed that grew into a passion for science and innovation, with a mission to ease the burdens of small farmers.

A passion for science

Even as a young boy, Ramdhan had a natural curiosity for science. He spent hours tinkering with machines and conducting experiments, driven by a desire to create something new and useful. “I entered every science competition announced in school with the mindset of creating something new,” he says. Although his early innovations were small, they were milestones on the way to a larger goal – to help the farmers who had raised him. That mission took on even more urgency when he saw his father, Rajaram Lodha, struggling with a heavy spray pump used to fertilize crops. The physical toll was evident, as constant use led to shoulder injuries and occasional illness from exposure to chemicals.

Innovations for a good cause

Determined to find a solution, the young innovator decided to take matters into his own hands. He developed a machine that could not only spray fertilizers but also weed, thereby significantly reducing the physical burden on farmers. However, funding posed a significant challenge. Not wanting to burden his parents financially, Ramdhan entered science competitions to raise the money needed for his project. “I started entering competitions to fund my innovation about three years ago,” he says. His persistence paid off, and today he has successfully developed a solar-powered hybrid weed-killing machine. This multipurpose agricultural equipment is not only eco-friendly but also significantly reduces the physical labor of farmers. This machine is set to transform traditional farming practices and promote environmental sustainability.

Recognition and rewards

Ramdhan’s dedication and creativity did not go unnoticed. Recently, he won a cash prize of Rs 100,000 at the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge, a national competition organized by the Scaler School of Technology. This award opened up new opportunities for him, and interest in his invention spread beyond India’s borders. “After this achievement, I received more recognition and even inquiries from outside India,” Ramdhan reveals proudly.

Overcoming challenges: From prototype to market-ready machine

Ramdhan’s journey was not without its challenges. At just 15 years old, he designed the first prototype of his machine and submitted it to a government competition, winning a cash prize of Rs 10,000. With this money, he built an initial version of his machine that could sow seeds and spray pesticides. “I wanted to build a machine that could do multiple tasks, like removing weeds and sowing seeds. My aim was to make it fully automatic so that farmers don’t face any difficulties,” he explains. With the help of a local welder, he built the machine out of old bicycles and other materials. His father was the first to test it, and soon other farmers in the village wanted to try it out too.

Solar powered weed killer

Ramdhan’s machine is essentially a modified bicycle fitted with a battery, a solar panel, spray pumps on both sides and a weed remover on the front. It is designed to perform four key farming tasks: weed removal, seeding, fertilizer spraying and manure spreading. “It runs on solar energy and has a battery for use on cloudy days,” explains Ramdhan. The machine has adjustable parts and attachments, making it a practical solution for small farmers. “It can perform all these functions simultaneously, saving time and effort. By removing weeds and spraying fertilizer at the same time, it eliminates the need for heavy spray tanks, expensive machine rentals or hiring labourers,” he adds.

Looking ahead: A vision for the future

With his recent prize money from the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge, Ramdhan is more determined than ever to bring his machine to market. He wants to make his invention affordable and accessible to small farmers and offer it at a price between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. “My aim is to reach all small farmers as other machines cost even more. With additional features, this machine will be a good investment for farmers,” he says.

Ramdhan is not only focused on his current invention; he has even bigger ambitions for the future. He dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and making his practical, low-cost machine available to small farmers across the country. “My goal is to make this machine accessible to every small farmer in India who cannot afford expensive machines. I want innovations like this to come to the market in large numbers to help small farmers. Indian farmers need more innovations to grow and make profits,” he stresses.

A young entrepreneur in the making: The way to the future

Ramdhan is already taking steps to make his dreams a reality. He plans to launch his machine under the brand name ‘Kishan Rover’ by the end of 2024, provided he secures the necessary funding. “I have applied for IIT Kashipur’s incubation program, IIT Madras’ incubation program, Shark Tank India Season 4 and Startup Mahakumbh 2024,” he says. With the support of his family and friends, Ramdhan continues to refine his invention and dreams of a wider adoption on farms in India.

Ramdhan Lodha’s journey from a small village in Rajasthan to a recognized innovator is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers and young innovators across India, proving that with determination, creativity and a passion for problem-solving, even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome. As Ramdhan looks to the future, his vision of empowering smallholder farmers through affordable, innovative technology will have a lasting impact on Indian agriculture. “Farmers should also go digital and keep pace with other industries,” concludes Ramdhan.

First published: August 25, 2024, 10:18 AM IST