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CHIN-XVII |
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| Title |
Manual to Mechanical Farm Operation |
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| Abstract |
From our neighbours, we again have some technologies developed by restless innovators at the grassroots who have refused to sit on their problems waiting for someone else to find solutions. Similar problems have existed in India and similar solutions have been attempted. Similar to Li Hua’s attempt to develop a minitractor, we have Bhanjibhai’s tractor intercovertible from 4 to 3 wheels as well as Mansukhbhai Jagani’s Bullet Santi which is a 3 wheeled farming machine. Mechanising Cotton farming has intrigued farmers on both sides of the giant Himalayan Wall. While Xu Shengyin has developed a device for cotton topping, we have the examples of Natubhai Wader and Mansukhbhai Patel who have developed machines for cotton boll plucking and cotton boll and lint separation respectively in local cotton varieties. |
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| Details |
Spring-loaded PloughMeng Fanlin, Jia Musi, Huanan, Heiliongjang Meng is a farmer in Jia Musi, Heliongjang province. His fields are on steep land, reclaimed from the forests that are full of rocks and roots. These obstacles have broken many a plough in the area which led to Meng thinking of a solution. In 2006, after 8 years of research, he invented the Spring-loaded plough. Three plough tynes that are loaded onto springs that enable them to safely manoeuvre around obstacles without disturbing the furrow-line. A seed cage can be installed to enable simultaneous sowing of the new crop. Meng says that his machine is truly multifunctional and will last longer than 10 ordinary ploughs. Mini TractorLi Hua, Qingcheng town, Gaoqing County, Shangdong In 1998, Mr Li and his father invented a minitractor that can be used inside a greenhouse. In 2006, they were granted a patent. Since the tractor has small front wheels and a concave axle, it is suitable for use where space is limited. The steering wheel and fuel tank are on either side of the engine. It can be coupled with many conventional pieces of farm machinery, saving farmers time and efforts. Li thinks that it has the potential for reaching the market.Cotton TopperXu Shengyin, Kaigong, Gansu Cotton topping is the process of pruning tips of shoots to avoid pest infestation. Topping manually is a tiring job. In 1999, Xu, a cotton farmer from Kaigong village, Gansu province, decided to develop a machine to help him process his crop. In 2004, he developed a working model. The machine is made of plastic, heated wires, wooden boards and a metal tip. It performs four times more efficiently than doing the job manually. It is simple to use and highly effective. In 2005, it was granted a patent. He has produced over 12000 units and they have been sold throughout the region.Hand powered electric GeneratorHe Changgen, 56, Fenglin, JiangxiChanggen was worried by the fuel shortages at the petrol station that he worked in. After a lot of research and help from his brother, he devised a novel generator. Since 1992 he has been granted 7 patents. The generator is not dependent upon the local power grid. It converts kinetic and electromagnetic energy into electricity. It is intended to help solve the energy crisis and is both easy to clean and energy efficient. Fertiliser DistributorBaoyuan Liu (Huhe Wenduer, Inner Mongolia) Baoyuan Liu, a farmer, had experienced that many of the agricultural farming machinery are not convenient to use and are also laborious for the farmers. He therefore, began improvising on these machines and modified them and by 2008 he had made modifications on various types of farm appliances. Most of the farming tools modified by Liu are practical, technologically advanced and easy to use and save a lot of time and labour, especially the fertiliser distributor. It is an all-weather appliance and can cover an area of 40 acres in a day. This appliance is also inexpensive. Liu has till date, made modifications on the backhoe with wheels, rakes and other farming tools. The wheel gears designed by him are also unique. The farming tools and appliances modified by Liu are well received by the local farmers and he is almost a ‘celebrity’ among the villagers. People are eager to use the tools modified by him. |
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| Volume No. |
HB26(2) 20, 2015 |
