The government-run Technology Development Board (TDB) has funded a Pune-based company for EV technology, ‘Electric Bull’ for agriculture.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Science and Technology notified that the government has provided financial assistance to a Pune-based organisation called ‘Krishigati’. The funding is for EV technology ‘Electric Bull’ in intercultural farming operations.
On May 27th, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) extended financial support to Krishigati in New Delhi.
As per the official statement, the funding is part of the initiative “Axle-Less Multipurpose Electric Vehicle for Modern and Precision Farming,” which represents a move towards domesticating EV technology for diverse agricultural practices.
The central focus of this endeavour is the introduction of a “Self-Propelled Electric Agricultural Tool Bar” (Krishigati Electric Bull), a solution crafted for ‘weather-resistant farm mechanisation’. These farming activities include finer and lighter agricultural operations carried out on the soil, between sowing and harvesting, like weeding,fertiliser application, and mulching.
The Electric Bull features an electric prime mover with pollution-free and vibration-free operation and a 610 mm ground clearance. It can perform four distinct farming operations and includes a portable battery that can be charged using a single-phase electric power supply. The design aims for easy operation by individuals of all genders with minimal training and adheres to safety regulations.
Initially made with scraps, it was first introduced as a machine in August 2022. Electric Bull costs Rs 2.75 lakh, which the company has calculated to be less compared to the expenses a farmer would incur in a year.
Krishigati aims to enhance production and promote the product to stimulate growth in India’s agriculture industry. According to TDB, the tool aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and may indirectly contribute to double income and production for small-scale farmers.
Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB said, “We are dedicated to enhancing indigenous capabilities and supporting innovative projects that propel technological advancement and economic growth in India’s agricultural sector.”
TDB has acknowledged Krishigati as an “innovative agricultural start-up”, that was founded in 2021.
