Project: Gajari Clean-A New Way to Carrot Cleaning

Innovation aims to successfully increase productivity while using the least amount of resources. 

Santosh has done exactly that.  He hails from the village of Shedbal, near Belgaum, where most people work as vegetable farmers.  Cleaning carrots after each harvest became a lengthy, and costly, process for the farmers.  Additional laborers were required for peeling and cleaning the carrots that were harvested.  Santosh designed a machine to help with this process.  The machine uses the simple phenomena of centrifugal force and friction.  With Santosh's machine, carrot cleaning only requires the help of one or two people, very limited water, and no electricity.  Moreover, Santosh's machine allows 100 kg of carrots to be harvested, cleaned, and peeled in only 15 minutes.  Eight farmers now use this machine and have spared the costs of employing six laborers. 

Santosh's innovative carrot cleaning machine earned him the  Best LEADer award in Yuva Summit 2013.

Project: Multi-Grass Cutting Machine

Sachin Bennalkar (Jain)

Sachin designed a machine that cuts grass, thereby reducing the labor for farmers.  Sachin approached people asking for donations in order to fund the construction of the machine.  After collecting the necessary funds and materials, Sachin built the machine inside his college laboratory.  Sachin’s machine has been a great help for many farmers. 

Project: Honey Bee

Subramanya (MES College of Commerce, Sirsi)

Subramanya became aware of the fact that the farmers of Kallgadde earn their livelihoods from one source that only comes once a year.  This infrequency of earnings created financial problems for the farmers throughout the rest of the year.  To help the farmers increase their earnings, Subramanya trained the farmers in all aspects of the honeybee business. 20 families’ lives have been improved by Subramanya’s training sessions, and the honeybee business now plays an important role in their lives.  Each family made a one-time investment of Rs. 5000, but as a resulf of the honeybee business, each family is now earning Rs 5000 to 6000 thrice per month. 

Project: Danger Lamp

Karthik (MES College of Commerce, Sirsi)

Each year, farmers of Abbihadda lost more than 39 quintal of rice and other crops resulting from animal attacks and invasions.  Karthik had previously carried out other projects in different villages.  These other villages had experienced the same problems with animal attacks and invasions, but a solution for the problem had been developed in those villages.  He applied the same solution used by the other villages and introduced the Danger Lamp to Kaggundi (his village).  The Danger Lamp is triggered by sensor technology and scares animals away by producing light and sound.  Farmers are satisfied with the lamp, as it protects their crops without causing harm to the animals.  The Danger Lamp now protects 13 acres of land and has helped 10 farming families.

Project: Low Cost Pesticide Sprinkler

Vinay Patil (Jain)

In the village of Vagdud, applying pesticides to crops became very cumbersome and difficult for farmers, as the process required a great deal of labor and energy.  Vinay, after recognizing this issue, created a sprinkler device that sprays pesticides on crops, and he commissioned his team to teach the farmers how to use the device.  The project itself only cost a mere Rs 1600, but the device that Vinay created has benefitted three farming families.  

Project: Seeds for Life

Sandesh Bhat (MES College of Commerce, Sirsi)

Sandesh identified major agricultural issues: there existed a scarcity in desi rice seeds, and farmers were not receiving proper guidance.  After identifying these issues, Sandesh took action.  He informed several local NGOs about the problem and and collaborated with the NGOs to hold a workshop for local farmers that would teach them how to conserve seeds.  The workshop was facitliated by Kerya Guda and attracted 100 farmers.  During the workshop, farmers not only learned better farming techniques, but they were also given the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other.  Sandesh’s project only cost Rs 3000, but the impact he created on these farmers’ lives has no value.

Project: Kshetrotshava-Idea Exchange Events for Farmers

Raghav Hegde (MES College of Commerce, Sirsi)

Raghav organized an event for farmers called “Kshetrotshava” to educate them on environmental issues.  Notable farmers such as Keraya Gouda also participated in this program.  During the program, farmers learned more sustainable methods of cultivation.  150 farmers attended, and therefore benefitted from, the event.

Project: Plantation in Former Field

LEADer Name: Basavraj

College:  Davangere University, MSW Dept.

Basavaraj from the MSW Dept. of Davangere University planted trees in a former field at Bhavihal village. He observed that many of the villagers did not know about government facilities. So, he took initiative to support the villagers. He collaborated with an agriculture office and brought coconut trees to plant in a former field.

Project: Seeds for Life

LEADer: Sandesh Bhat

Location: Chandragutti, Sirsi

We always talk about farmers facing lots of trouble. But how many of us think about the reason of theproblem? In Sirsi LEADer Sandesh Bhat found that the farmers have problems withthe conservation of seeds.  Sandesh conducted a project called “Seeds For life” (conservation of Desi  rice seeds) in Chandragutti. 150 farmers participated and exchange their knowledge and practice of conservation of seeds and their importance. Thus the project created a huge impact on changing the perspective of the farmers regarding seed conservation. In this program more than 40 varieties of seeds has been introduced and received the attention of farmers.  

Project: Teach Manufacturing of Washing Soap

LEADer: Krishnamurthy 

Krishnamurthy from Government First Grade College, Sirsi, took initiative to give training on soap making to 15 villagers in Muregar. The objective of his project was to save money and create extra sources of income for farmers. By this project every family saves minimum 400 – 500 Rs. per month. For them this project brought a huge impact on their daily lives.