Nishi Biswas has invented a machine for growing paddy crops. As of date, India does not manufacture a manual rice planter and it is mainly imported from other countries, which makes it out of reach for the small farmers. Nishi is credited to be the first to develop such a machine in the country. Till date, he has sold 3 products.
Due to labour crisis and the high costs involved, small farmers are unable to afford rice cultivation, so they migrate to urban areas in search of job opportunities. Nishi’s manual rice planter can run easily on small plots, making it extremely beneficial for farmers with small land holdings. Using this machine, a person can sow 2 acres in a day. The planter does not entail any extra running cost, and farmers can repay the loan for the machine in one season. The selling price of the machine is Rs 20000.
Nishi made the prototype of the manual paddy transplanting machine three years ago, but due to economic inefficiency, it could not be commercialized. However, COVID 19 proved a turning point. He converted the lock-down into an opportunity and mortgaged the jewelery of their wives and children and started commercial manufacturing of their machines in a very small way.
His innovation is supported under MVIF by GIAN and SIDBI for marketing and on-farm trials and demonstrations in different parts of the country.