"Necessity is the mother of invention." For Ramdhan Lodha, a young innovator from the fields of Jhalawar, Rajasthan, this saying couldn't be more true. At just 18 years old, he had already seen the struggles of farming life up close. Watching his parents and other farmers toil in the fields for little reward, Ramdhan understood the hardships they faced. "I was raised in a farming family in Rajasthan, where 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," he recalls. These early experiences planted a seed in him—a seed that would grow into a passion for science and innovation, with a mission to ease the burdens of small-scale 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 beneficial. "I participated in every science competition announced at school with the mindset of creating something new," he shares. Although his early innovations were small, they were stepping stones toward a larger goal—helping the farmers who had raised him. This mission became even more urgent when he saw his father, Rajaram Lodha, struggling with a heavy spray pump used to fertilize crops. The physical strain was clear, as continuous use caused shoulder injuries and occasional sickness from chemical exposure.
Innovating for a Cause
Determined to find a solution, the young innovator decided to take matters into his own hands. He designed a machine that could not only spray fertilizers but also uproot weeds, greatly reducing the physical strain on farmers. However, funding posed a significant challenge. Ramdhan was mindful not to burden his parents financially, so he turned to science competitions to raise the money needed for his project. "I started participating in competitions about three years ago to fund my innovation," he says. His perseverance paid off, and today, he has successfully developed a solar-powered, hybrid weed-killer machine. This multipurpose agricultural tool is not only eco-friendly but also significantly reduces the physical labor required by farmers. This machine is designed to transform traditional farming practices and advance environmental sustainability.
Recognition and Rewards
Ramdhan's dedication and creativity have not gone unnoticed. Recently, he won Rs 1 lakh in prize money at the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge, a national competition organized by the Scaler School of Technology. This award has opened new opportunities for him, with interest in his invention extending beyond India's borders. "Following this achievement, I received increased recognition and even inquiries from outside India," Ramdhan proudly reveals.
Overcoming Challenges: From Prototypes to a Market-Ready Machine
Ramdhan's journey was not without its challenges. At just 15, he designed the first prototype of his machine and entered it into a government competition, winning Rs 10,000 in prize money. He used these funds to build an initial version of his machine that could sow seeds and spray pesticides. "I wanted to create a machine that could handle multiple tasks like removing weeds and sowing seeds. My goal was to make it fully automatic so farmers wouldn't face any difficulties," he explains. With the help of a local welder, he constructed the machine using old cycles and other materials. His father was the first to test it, and soon, other farmers in the village were eager to try it out as well.
Solar-powered Weed Killer Machine
Ramdhan's machine is essentially a modified bicycle fitted with a battery, a solar panel, spray pumps on both sides, and a weed remover at the front. It is designed to handle four key farming tasks: weed removal, seed drilling, fertilizer spraying, and manure application. "It operates on solar power and includes a battery for use on cloudy days," Ramdhan explains. The machine features adjustable parts and attachments, making it a practical solution for small-scale farmers. "It can perform all these functions simultaneously, saving time and effort. By removing weeds and spraying fertilizers at the same time, it eliminates the need for heavy spray tanks, expensive machinery rentals, or hiring laborers," he adds.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
With his latest prize money from the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge, Ramdhan is more determined than ever to bring his machine to the market. He aims to make his invention affordable and accessible to small farmers, pricing it between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. "My goal is to reach all small farmers, as other machines cost even higher. With additional features, this machine will become a good investment for farmers," he says.
Ramdhan is not just focused on his current invention; he has broader ambitions for the future. He dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and making his practical, cost-effective machine available to small-scale farmers across the country. "My aim is to make this machine reach every small farmer in India who cannot afford high-cost machinery. I want innovations like this to come in large numbers to help small farmers. Indian farmers need more innovation to grow and profit," he stresses.
A Young Entrepreneur in the Making: The Road Ahead
Ramdhan is already taking steps to turn his dreams into 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've applied to the IIT Kashipur incubation program, IIT Madras incubation program, Shark Tank India Season 4, and Startup Mahakumbh 2024," he shares. With the support of his family and friends, Ramdhan continues to refine his invention and dreams of wider adoption across farms in India.
Ramdhan Lodha's journey from a small village in Rajasthan to becoming a recognized innovator is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a beacon of hope for small farmers and young innovators across India, proving that with determination, creativity, and a passion for solving problems, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome. As Ramdhan looks to the future, his vision for empowering small farmers through affordable, innovative technology is set to make a lasting impact on Indian agriculture. "Farmers should also go digital and keep up with other industries," Ramdhan concludes.
