Mobile Dry Seeder with LEADer Sharad Patil

When asked about what problem his LEAD project aimed to solve, LEADer Sharad Patil from Dr. M.S. Sheshgiri College of Engineering and Technology produced a list of 11 issues that farmers face that his Mobile Dry Seeder addresses.

Real-world testing by a farmer near Chandgad

This relatively simple, yet challenging to design practically and properly according to Sharad, is a portable device which carries 15-20 kg of fertilizer or seeds. This device does the work of 4 labourers at once, but also does it twice as fast as the average human being can sow fertilizer or seeds. While originally the project aimed to simply help farmers to sow seeds more efficiently, the final product also addresses issues including weed growth, seed wastage, and high equipment and maintenance costs.

Obtaining certification from
University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad

In testing, Sharad's Mobile Dry Seeder increased crop yield by 30-40%, reduced labour costs by 75%, reduced seed expenses by 15%, and reduced fertilizer expenses by 25%. It is therefore no surprise Sharad was one of three winners at TALAASH 2015, a LEAD event that aimed to identify students with a desire to turn their technical ideas into a start-up. As his prize, Sharad received Rs. 1,00,000/- in seed funding from Nanopix and start-up incubation support from Deshpande Foundation's Sandbox Startups.

With his TALAASH winnings as well as a small amount of funding from LEAD,  he has managed to produce 18 mobile dry seeders currently being used by farmers, and is in the process of patenting his device so it can be mass produced and available to all farmers.

Belgaum LEADer Helps 50 Women and Children Through Entrepreneurship

GIT Belgaum LEADer Ashika Jain wanted to find a lasting solution for helping poor women and their children.  The mothers clearly needed money so that they could send their children to school, but they needed a sustainable income. Ashika decided that entrepreneurship was the answer.  Ashika purchased the raw materials and taught 50 women how to make stationary products such as files, notepads and notebooks.  Ashika then sold the books and saved a percentage of the profits towards funding the education of the women's children.  Ashika's social entrepreneurship initiative not only helped send these children to school but it also helped their mothers gain skills and employment experience so that they can continue working to help their children in the future. 

Ashika's project was showcased at Yuva Summit 2014. 

Belgaum LEADer Connects with DF Navodyami Program to Boost Micro-Entrepreneurs

Navodyami is a program that works to develop entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban cities of Northwest Karnataka.  Through a strong support network, avenues to access capital and market, and personal mentorships, Navodyami assists micro-entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses. 
Santosh Kaveri, recipient of the Yuva Summit 2013 Best LEADer award, was very impressed by the Navodyami method and immediately thought to promote the same concept in Shedbal, his village.  After approaching the village Chairman with his idea, Santosh was granted permission from the village committee to execute the program.  Santosh initially introduced the program during the Village Fair, and then went door to door to further publicize the event.  He successfully acquired over 20 registrations for the Navodyami training.

With guidance from Navodyami Program Manager, Mr. Iranna, Santosh and his team conducted Navodyami training sessions for 20 people.  Santosh currently has plans to implement this project throughout five other villages. 

Project: Platform for Navodyami

Maithri Mahesh (GMIT College)

Maithri wanted to help the micro entrepreneurs of Navodyami.  Delta Program, a technical festival, is conducted every year at her college.  Maithri decided to use this festival to create a platform for these entrepreneurs to sell eco-friendly bags, bamboo products, and other creative crafts.

Maithri approached her college Principal, HOD, and the Delta Program coordinator, and was granted permission to set up a booth.  She additionally coordinated with the Navodyami team.  Selling the products at the booth helped the entrepreneurs increase their sales. 

Maithri deserves special recognition for her participation in LEAD.  She has completed six projects since joining the LEAD Program, and has even participated in LEAD Prayana.

Project: Village Fishing

LEADer: Vinayak M. Bhat
Team Member: Kartik
Date: 15/3-14/4/2012
Location: Adlemane

In Vinayak's village there is one big pond, but the water is polluted with soil and other wastage. But Vinakak believed that fisheries businesses could develop in that pond, and fishes are the natural creatures that directly involve in naturally purifying the water. He went to the Gram Panchayath and explained the importance of fisheries to them and how the horticulture culture would help them. Initially they did not agree, but the team brought a fish pond and showed them how fishes help in purifying the water.

With the help of the village, the pond was cleaned and fish were implemented. As a result, 15 families are getting clean water while 5 families who eat fish no longer need to go into town to buy fish, thus saving money.

Vinayak hopes to continue in this direction by inculcating more fisheries businesses in villages and raising awareness on proper utilization of local resources.

Felicitation of Gururaj Deshpande by B.S.Yeddyurappa

TiE is going to host
a felicitation led by

Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa
Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka
to honour
Shri Gururaj "Desh" Deshpande

for his appointment as Co-Chairman of
U.S. President Barack Obama's

National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

on 25th August 2010, 6pm at Deshpande Cetre for Social Entrepreneurship.

In this auspicious occasion LEADers have a great opportunity to showcase their project and to have an interaction with the dignitaries. The projects to be showcased have already been shortlisted. Nearly 400 invitees are expected to attend the ceremony.