It is said that, “Necessity is the Mother of all Innovations”. However, necessity or not, innovative minds have surely made our living more comfortable. Here, we take a look at 10 such innovations that helped to transform the rural landscape in the global context.
Laser Scarecrows
Farmers and birds have been at odds since the beginning of agriculture. Pests like starlings, blackbirds, and crows can destroy up to 75% of crops within 48 hours following harvest, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. Growers have tried every method of insect control. From traditional scarecrows to propane cannons, no one has outrun nature’s evolutionary wit.
A researcher at the University of Rhode Island recently developed a new repellent to keep these birds away. The laser scarecrow emits green laser lights that are not visible to humans in the daylight. They are effective because birds are sensitive to the colour green. The automated laser darts across fields up to 600 feet, effectively startling birds to keep them from harming any crops. They are also less harmful to the environment and require less labour than nets.
There have been several types of laser technology, some of which are solar-powered and have an auto-targeting system for birds. Pest management businesses have also adopted the technology, claiming that it can reduce crop losses by up to 90%. It is a quiet strategy that does not disturb neighbours. It is quite effective and has a low possibility of birds adapting to its fright tactics.
The Milking Machine
Milking is an exhausting chore. To deliver fresh milk to consumers, dairy operators must rise up before 5 a.m. and begin milking the cows one by one. Apart from that, finding the professionals to complete the job for you is not a simple issue. Using machinery is an alternative, but it is prohibitively expensive, something that only large, profitable dairy farms can afford. So, Gowda devised a simple solution: his own milking machine. The system is inexpensive and efficient, using suctions that can pump up to 1.5 litres of milk every minute – far more than a person can accomplish. Furthermore, the cow feels no pain, making it a win-win situation all around.
Vertical Farming
Countries’ urbanization and industrial development lead to the loss of fertile land for farming. A third of arable land has been lost in the last 40 years, and vertical farming could be the solution. Vertical farming, which involves growing crops on vertically stacked or inclined surfaces that can be integrated into other structures or buildings, allows for more crop production with less space. This could be the solution to fulfilling the rising food demands of a rapidly growing population, particularly in cities. Farmers can also benefit from greenhouse settings that can be incorporated with vertical farming. This entails growing seasonal crops all year without regard for the weather.
The Tree Climbing Machine
Joseph, an innovative farmer, had several failed inventions until he invented the Tree Climbing Machine. The machine has two loops and pedals for each food, which may be readily used to climb a tree. It is mostly used for coconut trees but may also be altered and utilized for a variety of other trees. The machine has been a huge success since it is safe, affordable, and convenient, and the National Innovation Foundation has helped to sell it in nations such as the United States, Maldives, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. So, the next time you have a delicious glass of coconut water, remember to thank Mr. Joseph.
Eco-Cooler Method
It may reduce indoor temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius, which is comparable to the performance of an electric centrally installed air conditioning system. In some cases, the Eco Cooler may lower indoor temperatures from a scorching 86F (30C) to a more comfortable 77F (25C). It is the world’s first zero-electricity air conditioner that can be utilised on a large scale in rural India, and because its construction is simple, there is no reason why anyone can’t use it.
The Cotton Harvester
Cotton-picking is the most difficult and unpleasant kind of harvesting, as anyone who knows anything about farming will tell you. To counteract this, Vader devised a unique design. A large device consisting of spinning rubber hoses and a hoover is linked to the tractor, which is subsequently used to pick cotton. The equipment is so effective that it picks as much cotton in an hour as ten people would in two days, so you can imagine how much of an impact it has on people’s lives.
Exercising chair- Maruti Jhoola
Modern living, with its quick pace and sedentary lifestyle, has created a demand for solutions that combine relaxation and invigoration.Maruti Jhoola is a one-of-a-kind health chair that has numerous capacities, functions, and settings for different postures and seating dynamics.It is ergonomically constructed and may be used for both seating and exercise by people weighing up to 120 kilogrammes. It can function as a hammock or jhoola.The health chair is beneficial for persons who suffer from arthritis and joint problems.
Kouna Mat Making Machine
Kouna is connected with Manipur’s distinctive artisan history. This manual machine, which can be handled by a low-skilled worker or a physically challenged individual, has the capacity to weave two mats daily. The quality of the mats produced is superior to that generated using traditional methods. Productivity increases by three to four times. A good traditional mat weaver can only complete one mat in four days, including frill tying. The current machine can weave one mat per day, which includes frill tying.
Bee Vectoring
One method for promoting sustainability in agriculture is to identify ways to control illness without using chemicals or pesticides. Bee vectoring helps farmers protect their crops from a variety of diseases. It employs a fungus known as Vectorite to eliminate any disease that could cause substantial damage to plants. Vectorite solution is placed in a commercial bee hive. As the bees enter and exit the hive, they take some of the solution. Then, when the bees travel from plant to plant, they deposit Vectorite on the crops. All of this is done without the use of chemicals, which is safe for the environment and increases the shelf life of vegetables.
The Multipurpose Herbs Processor
Kamboj had an interest in plants since he was a child, which he inherited from his herbalist mother. What irritated Kamboj was the lack of affordable machines that make the process of transforming herbs into gel much easier. After years of fruitless prototypes, he developed the processor, which can pulverize and extract oil or gel from any variety of herb. The machine, Kamboj’s childhood fantasy, can manufacture gel from leaves and twigs at a low cost, which has proven to be extremely valuable to many people living in rural areas, both for production and, in many cases, self-medication.