18-year-old Rajasthan Student Advocates for Safer Farming Practices by Creating Solar Operated Weed Killer

Mumbai, May 6th, 2024:  An 18-year-old student from Rajasthan, Ramdhan Lodha, displayed his innovative spirit at the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge hosted by Scaler School of Technology by showcasing his creation, a solar-operated weed killer machine aimed at promoting safer farming practices in India. This ingenious device offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming approaches. To allow him to build on this idea further, Ramdhan was awarded a special reward totalling Rs. 1lakh by the judges.

Ramdhan, the son of a farmer, was acutely aware of the challenges faced by his father and other farmers from a young age. Recognising the adverse effects of chemical pesticides and fertilisers on the environment and his family’s health, Ramdhan made it his goal to find a more efficient and sustainable solution to protect his father from being exposed to these harmful chemicals. This mission resulted in the creation of a solar-operated weed-killer machine designed to provide a more natural solution to weed termination.

While operating on solar energy, the weed-killer machine is also designed to be customisable in length and portable, thereby reducing the risk of farmers inhaling toxic pesticide mist. These features not only enhance safety but also make weed control more convenient through the use of lightweight machinery. Reflecting on the inspiration behind his invention, Ramdhan Lodha shared, “Having grown up in a farming community, I’ve seen the struggles farmers face, especially the health risks involved. My aim was to create a solution that tackles these challenges while providing an eco-friendly option to traditional methods. Scaler School of Technology’s Indian Silicon Valley Challenge provided me with an incredible platform to showcase my invention, and I am grateful for this opportunity. My ultimate dream is to see farmers all over India using my machine someday.”

Ramdhan’s dedication to his project was unwavering despite facing financial constraints. With the support of his family and teachers, he spent four to five years perfecting the design and functionality of the machine. His hard work eventually bore fruit when his model garnered the prestigious National Child Scientist Award, a clear indication of the potential of his invention.

Commenting on Ramdhan’s achievement, Bhavik Rathod, SVP & Head of Scaler School of Technology, remarked, “Ramdhan’s innovative solution is a wonderful example of the spirit of creativity and problem-solving that we strive to foster at Scaler. His commitment to addressing real-world challenges using technology is commendable, and we are proud to have provided a platform for him to showcase his talent through the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge.”

Subhash Choudhary, Co-founder & CTO of Dukaan and a judge of Scaler School of Technlogy’s Indian Silicon Valley Challenge, stated, “Ramdhan’s solar operated weed killer machine offers an innovative approach to a pressing issue in agriculture. The passion and ingenuity witnessed in all the participants of this challenge is further proof of the importance of empowering young innovators to drive positive change through initiatives such as the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge.”

In the latter half of 2023, Scaler School of Technology launched The Indian Silicon Valley Challenge, a nationwide competition designed to identify and nurture India’s brightest young minds. Open solely to Grade XI and XII students, the contest aimed to provide a platform for young tech innovators like Ramdhan to showcase their innovation to the masses. The challenge witnessed an extensive participation of 18,300 candidates from various backgrounds and schools across the nation, engaging in rigorous competition. The success of the challenge is attributed to the expertise and commitment of distinguished jury members, including individuals such as Love Babbar, Subhash Choudhary, Anshuman Singh, Mohak Mangal, and Iqlipse Nova (Deepanshu Raj). Their collective insights and support have enriched the experience for all participants and contributed significantly to the advancement of innovative ideas with the potential to shape the technological landscape.