Agriculture has always been the backbone of human civilization. Farmers work tirelessly to grow crops that sustain life, yet they often face challenges that reduce their productivity and profits. In rural India, where most farmers still depend on traditional practices, even small improvements and low-cost innovations can create a huge impact. The two problems that this project aims to address are:
- Protecting seeds from rains while drying – Developing a low-cost innovative structure to keep seeds dry during unexpected rains.
- Scarecrow mechanism – Creating a simple, movable scarecrow system to protect crops from birds and animals.
Both models are designed to be affordable, eco-friendly, and farmer-friendly, making them highly practical for rural areas. Let us discuss these in detail.
Part 1: Protecting Seeds from Rains while Drying
The Problem
Farmers usually save seeds from their harvest for the next sowing season. These seeds need to be dried properly in sunlight to maintain their germination capacity and to prevent fungal growth. Traditionally, farmers spread the seeds in open areas such as courtyards, terraces, or farm fields. However, unexpected rains pose a big problem. If it suddenly rains, the seeds get wet and may rot, lose fertility, or develop fungal infection.
Many small and marginal farmers cannot afford expensive drying machines or storage facilities. Therefore, there is a need for a simple, affordable, and easily portable structure to protect seeds from sudden rains.
The Solution: Innovative Seed Protection Structure
The working model proposes a low-cost, collapsible, and portable seed drying structure. It acts like a mini tent or shade, which can be quickly covered when rain starts and rolled back when the sun shines.
Key Features:
- Low-cost materials: Bamboo sticks, iron rods, plastic sheets, ropes, and cloth.
- Collapsible design: Can be folded and stored when not in use.
- Easy to handle: Even elderly farmers and women can use it.
- Multi-purpose: Can also be used for drying pulses, grains, and even protecting vegetables from excess sun or dew.
How it Works (Model Explanation)
- A rectangular frame is made using bamboo sticks or lightweight iron rods.
- The frame is supported by vertical stands on four sides.
- Over this frame, a movable sliding cover is fixed, made of plastic sheet or waterproof cloth.
- Seeds are spread on a mesh or jute cloth platform inside the frame.
- During normal weather, the seeds are kept open under sunlight.
- When it suddenly rains, the movable sheet is pulled like a sliding roof or folded umbrella to immediately cover the seeds.
Advantages for Farmers
- Saves seeds from being spoiled during rains.
- Retains germination quality, ensuring better yields.
- Low cost and durable, can last for 5–6 years.
- Can be constructed at home without external help.
- Reduces dependency on costly storage or drying machines.
Part 2: Movable Scarecrow Mechanism
The Problem
Birds and animals often destroy a large portion of crops in the fields. Birds like sparrows, parrots, and crows eat seeds and fruits, while animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, and wild animals destroy standing crops. Farmers traditionally use scarecrows – straw-stuffed figures wearing old clothes – to scare away birds and animals.
However, with time, birds and animals get used to static scarecrows and no longer fear them. Also, farmers cannot afford to stand in their fields all day to chase away animals.
The Solution: Innovative Movable Scarecrow System
This project proposes a mechanized scarecrow system that not only stands still but can also move slightly, make sounds, or rotate, making it more effective in scaring away birds and animals.
Key Features:
- Movable scarecrow with simple mechanisms.
- Powered by wind, pulley, or small DC motor.
- Produces sound using tin plates, bells, or plastic bottles.
- Affordable – can be made using waste materials.
- Portable – can be shifted to different parts of the farm.
How it Works (Model Explanation)
- A scarecrow figure is made using bamboo sticks and old clothes.
- The scarecrow is mounted on a rotating stand or pulley system.
- A small wind vane or fan blade is attached to its back. When wind blows, the scarecrow moves or rotates.
- For sound, tin plates or bottles are attached to ropes. As the wind blows or the pulley moves, these objects make a rattling noise.
- Optionally, a low-cost motor connected to a 9V battery or solar panel can rotate the scarecrow at intervals.
Advantages for Farmers
- Prevents crop loss by effectively scaring birds and animals.
- Eco-friendly – uses wind or solar power.
- Low-cost – can be made with household waste.
- Increases yield by protecting crops.
- Reduces farmer’s manual effort in guarding fields.