Reconsider Traditional Methods

Neha started by gathering information about the traditional methods used for spraying, which commonly included using Gator pumps. When she analysed and evaluated her findings, she concluded that Gator pumps could not control pressure and output properly. Moreover, these methods consumed a significant amount of time, labour and fuel. Reverting to a traditional method would therefore make spraying crops more difficult and time consuming for farmers.

Redesign Something New

With the help of her school teachers and NXplorers mentors, Neha applied the NXplorers Scenario Planning tools to consider the positive and negative features of different scenarios to help identify a preferred future. After extensive research and experimenting, she developed an automatic Agri Sprayer to maximise effectiveness and minimise manual effort from the farmer. The various mechanical components of the sprayer meant that the crop treatment could be more targeted and easily distributed, which reduced both health risks and labour costs. As well as being easy to use, it also consumed less fuel and produced less noise.

Rethink Pesticide Practices

Since development, Neha has continued to test the idea by using a working prototype in her family owned farms. The new sprayer has proved to be more effective than existing sprayers and has maximised the crop yield. Importantly, it has saved time for farmers and protected their health, improving the wellbeing of the local farming community overall. Looking to the future, Neha intends to make the sprayer widely available to betel nut farmers across India.