Tilling goes hitech
Tukaram Sonawane and Sonal Veljali, a couple from Pune, did what we hope all of new India will do. They used their technical skills to set up a company Krishigati to aid Indian farmers, seeing all the difficulties they faced. They found that their engineering and innovative technology skills were not put to use to solve society’s problems. Agriculture was somehow neglected by innovation and technology. Although some innovations were available, they were very expensive.
They sincerely began working in this area. Their inspiration was the whole farming community as well as their parents and family members, who have contributed positively to their efforts. When they started their journey, ironically, the farmers who were facing issues helped them in finding solutions. Their inputs helped the couple manufacture an electric bull, which is now available in the market.
All their team members, who are from a farming background, have faced challenges, but they see every challenge as an opportunity. After numerous discussions and brainstorming, the team met with success. Both feel that the future is very bright for them as well as the farmers. They are always trying to give the farmers sustainable solutions for each of their problems to help them reduce their operational costs and earn well.
In the future, Tukaram and Sonal plan to bring value-added products to the farmers. In India, as agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, around 58 per cent of the population depends on agriculture, but their contribution to the GDP is only 19.9 per cent, which is less, compared to the population. The duo help to cut down farming operational expenditure by around 20–70 per cent and indirectly contribute to doubling the income of marginal farmers with Krishigati’s mechanisation techniques.
Tukaram and Sonal are in the process of building a network of people from all over India. They wish to help farmers on a national level and are confident that their innovation will help the agriculture sector overcome its problems.