Chhendipada: Proving the famous adage ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ true, a young farmer of Putagadia village under Chhendipada block in Angul district has manufactured a mini-power tiller. For his achievement, farmer Pratap Dandapat has become a celebrity in his locality.
As a farmer Dandapat had always been living a life full of stress and pressure. He did not have bullocks to plough the land and did not have the financial ability to hire a tractor for agricultural work. However, his ‘never-say-die’ attitude and the urge to produce crops saw him try out new innovations and he finally manufactured a power tiller.
The idea of making a mini-power tiller using discarded materials and an old motorcycle came to his mind. He also needed some scrap iron pieces which he acquired. He started working on the tiller and finally managed to achieve his goal of making one. He is now using it to produce paddy.
However Pratap’s ability to innovate does not end there. He has also made a machine using discarded bottles for spraying insecticides.
Pratap said his family depends on farm produces as they do not have any other source of earning. “Every year, we have to hire bullocks and tractors and I lose a lot of money. This year, however, it has been different. Due to my inventions I have managed to save a lot of money. I am happy that my plans have come off,” said Pratap.
Bapuji Dehury, a villager, was all praise for Pratap and his inventions. “Pratap has set an example for others. He has proved the veracity of the saying ‘where there is a will there is a way’. Engaging a tractor to plough fields really makes a dent in our little savings. The mini-power tiller manufactured by Pratap will be of great help,” said Dehury.
Lambodar Dandapat, a resident of Putagadia village echoed the sentiments of Dehury. “When we heard that Pratap was making a mini-power tiller we were a bit doubtful regarding the success of the project. But Pratap proved us wrong. He surprised us with his innovation. Now other farmers as well as students of agriculture are visiting him to look at his creations,” observed Lambodar.
Anil Pradhan, sarpanch of Korada panchayat heaped praise on Pratap. “He is talented and he should be properly utilised. The district Agriculture department should come forward to help Pratap in investing low cost agricultural equipment.
When contacted, block agriculture officer (BDO) Binod Kumar Dalei said they had had no information about Pratap’s invention. “In coming days, assistance would be provided to him to manufacture agriculture equipment. “His name will also be recommended for state-level award,” Dalei informed.
PNN