We’ve heard the stories of farmers committing suicide because of the helplessness that spreads over them after a drought. But this isn’t just another of the stories that end in sadness. This is a story about a farmer, who faced the drought hands on and came up with a genius solution. Ram Prasad, a farmer in Bundelkhand, saw the plight of other farmers in his village and felt that there was a deep seeded need for some innovation. Farmers were incurring huge losses because their equipment was costlier than the output they received, all due to the drought. According to Prasad, many had purchased tractors for 5 Lakhs or Bullocks for 50,000. But the rain gods haven’t shined upon them and when they do, it’s always untimely in relation to harvesting. “Adversity of nature in Bundelkhand forced my families to sell their bullocks. In fact, most of the farmers are unable to bear the maintenance cost of tractor or even bullocks due to huge losses,” is what Ram Prasad had to say about the ordeal.

Inspired to help, he started putting together a ploughing machine with scraps from old bicycles, which took him 7 years to shape into what it is today.

With a front, rear handle, a single wheel and two diggers, this machine not only ploughs but also weeds, sows and mixes fertilizers. The farmers get to save on the cost of kerosene, since the machine only needs two people, no fuel.

This innovative machine costs the bare minimum, Rs 3000-4000, which are more affordable than expensive tractors.

Ram Prasad has proved all the mockers, that a little inspiration can take you a long way. Now all the farmers from his village have nothing but praise for this man.

“Ram Prasad has proved that where there is a will, there is a way,” said Mohd Talha, his neighbour.

We have nothing but awe for you, Ram Prasad.