Rural Innovation – Bicycle inspired plougher and weeder

The main part of Mr. Bhise’s implement is the front portion of a bicycle, namely handlebar, front axle and the wheel.

A steel fork is connected to the axle and the other end carries different kinds of attachments.

Separate attachments for weeding, tilling and harrowing are attached to the working end, using bolts and nuts.

This helps in changing the attachments as required. Suitable slots in the device are provided for adjusting the distance between blades to suit specific requirements.

Safety provisions are incorporated so that the blade does not injure the user at the time of reversing the device during weeding operations,” explains Mr. Bhise.

“People laughed at me in the beginning, but I never gave up. Perseverance finally paid off and today my Krishiraja is received well in the local market,” says the poor farmer proudly.

The tiller attachment enables the farmers to cultivate medium-hard soil up to a depth of about one foot.

Mr. Gopal uses the device to carry out most of the farming operations. He no more needs bullocks. So far more than 200 devices are currently being used by farmers in the region.

Priced at Rs 1,200, a person can weed 0.08 ha in one hour. It is easy to operate and suited for those who cannot afford bullocks.

More than 200 farmers are today using the multi-purpose cycle weeder. It gives the much needed independence to a small farmer who does not own bullocks or a tractor.