A drudgery ridden production process of an easy to consume snack
India produces 89 million tonnes of rice annually—10% of which is converted to value added products such as puffed rice. Puffed rice is consumed widely, and is cheap and easily available. But does the price consumers pay for it capture the human costs of it?
“Automation and better buildings can make the processing of puffed rice much easier than it currently is. ”
There is not much technological aid for people working and residing in puffed rice clusters, who work for 10+ hours in sweltering heat and smoke. The output price is not worth the hard labour- roughly Rs 50 for 500 grams.
“I didn’t have an opportunity to opt for any other options but I don’t think my children will opt for puff rice making as their livelihood”
In spite of the hard manual labour workers have to do, they earn about a meagre Rs 10,000 per month–barely enough to sustain a family. But due to high financial vulnerability, many young men join this only to be stuck later on with limited skills.
Problem Statement:
How might we innovate solution(s) which will reduce drudgery and increase the productivity of the puffed rice producers so that their livelihoods are economically viable and sustainable?
Season Dependent Occupation
Odd Working Hours
Daily Drudgery of 10+ Hours
Low wages
SmartAgro Machineries in Bangalore, Karnataka, is dedicated to enhancing the productivity and profitability of farmers and dairy enterprises through cost-effective and efficient machinery. Founded by Nagaraj S T, a dairy-tech enthusiast with 21 years of experience in the textile industry, the company addresses key challenges in the milking process, such as productivity, hygiene, and cattle health.
Their product range includes milking machines, chaff cutters, and sprayers. The customizable fixed milking machine system ensures safety and hygiene, making it an accessible option for small-scale farmers. SmartAgro Machineries aim to solve fundamental farming issues, contributing to the advancement of agricultural practices in Karnataka and beyond.
The SELCO Foundation Technology Incubation Program supported SmartAgro Machineries by providing mentorship and technical expertise for their milking machine. This support improved the machine’s efficiency and productivity. Additionally, a customized business plan developed during the incubation period helped establish SmartAgro Machineries as a prominent player in the field. SELCO Foundation also supported the solarization of the milking machine, making it sustainable and energy-efficient.
Ajay Sahoo, the founder of Maa Mangala, is a self-taught entrepreneur who has developed a groundbreaking Puffed Rice Making Machine. Based in Nayagarh, Odisha, Maa Mangala focuses on producing affordable, user-friendly machines designed to replace traditional, labor-intensive puffed rice production methods. Sahoo’s innovation addresses the challenges faced by small-scale producers by reducing manual labor and increasing productivity, thus improving working conditions and streamlining the production process.
Maa Mangala aims to modernize the puffed rice industry by offering a more efficient and comfortable alternative to the conventional methods that often involve demanding physical labor and exposure to harsh conditions. By providing a practical solution that enhances productivity and worker comfort, Ajay Sahoo’s enterprise is making a significant impact on small-scale production in rural and peri-urban areas.
SELCO Technology Incubation has played a crucial role in supporting Maa Mangala by facilitating site identification and organizing exhibitions in prominent locations like Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Kalahandi. Additionally, SELCO developed marketing materials such as brochures and catalogs in Odia and Hindi and provided tailored business plans, which have been essential in expanding the enterprise’s reach and fostering growth within the puffed rice industry.
Satyanarayan Jena, a farmer, agritech innovator, and agricultural machinery dealer based in Kendrapara, Odisha, is the driving force behind Basudev Agritech. His innovative solutions address the post-harvest processing challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Noteworthy among his innovations are the Paddy Thresher cum Winnower and the Multi-Crop Grader, which are currently in the Production and sold Machineries to marginal farmers. These technologies aim to streamline and enhance the efficiency of post-harvest processes, providing versatile solutions for farmers. Satyanarayan Jena’s dedication lies in contributing to the agricultural sector by creating accessible and effective machinery that meets the needs of small-scale farmers in Odisha.
Basudev Agritech, under the leadership of Satyanarayan Jena, has received significant recognition for its contributions to agriculture. The company has been honored at both district and state levels, including receiving the Chief Minister’s Innovative Agricultural Machinery Award for its in-house development and manufacturing of agricultural machinery. Basudev Agritech’s commitment to social service and farmer engagement has made it a trusted partner among the local farming community, consistently striving to improve farmers’ incomes and simplify farm machinery operations.
The SELCO Foundation’s Technology Incubation Program has provided crucial support to Basudev Agritech, aiding in product refinement and the creation of a plug-and-play model that utilizes ready-made components for streamlined production. Additionally, SELCO has developed soft collaterals to bolster marketing efforts and provided mentoring on design improvements and power reduction. Networking opportunities facilitated by SELCO have connected Basudev Agritech with key stakeholders in the agritech and agricultural sectors. This collaboration has enabled Basudev Agritech to enhance its products and operational efficiency, making machinery more accessible and easier to handle for farmers. As a result, adoption rates have increased, improving post-harvest processing outcomes and driving innovation and sustainability in agricultural practices.
Narayan Bathwal, an innovator from Odisha, is the driving force behind Aranya Paridhi Pvt Ltd, a company committed to developing cutting-edge solar PV-based power fences. These advanced fences offer enhanced security for agricultural and horticultural premises, as well as government utilities such as water reservoirs, food grain distribution facilities, transport depots, and pumping stations. By integrating the latest technology, Bathwal’s solutions provide reliable protection and contribute to the effective management of valuable resources.
In addition to power fences, Aranya Paridhi Pvt Ltd is also focused on creating solar dryers specifically designed for small-scale farmers. These solar dryers aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of crop drying, addressing a key challenge faced by farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Bathwal’s dedication to combining renewable energy with practical agricultural solutions underscores his commitment to enhancing both security and productivity in the rural sector
SELCO Foundation’s Technology Incubation program has been instrumental in supporting Narayan Bathwal and his enterprise. Through mentorship, soft collateral support, and marketing assistance, SELCO Foundation has helped Aranya Paridhi Pvt Ltd advance its innovations and expand its reach. This collaboration has played a crucial role in the company’s development, reinforcing its impact on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
Bhaskar Machinery and Engineering Works, led by seasoned entrepreneur Jogendra Patra from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, has been at the forefront of building machines that utilize locally available natural resources. With 13 years of experience, Jogendra has developed innovative solutions like the Sal leaf plate-making machine, which streamlines the production process for rural and tribal communities. His work aims to empower local populations, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in the region.
The Technology Incubation Program at SELCO Foundation has provided crucial support to Bhaskar Machinery in several key areas. This includes product refinement, where heating plates and springs have been redesigned to enhance efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the program offers mentoring for optimizing design and reducing power consumption, which lowers operational costs and makes the machines more accessible and sustainable. Marketing materials and networking opportunities are also provided, helping the enterprise reach a wider audience and secure necessary resources for growth.
These innovations have a significant impact, particularly on tribal communities. By mechanizing the labor-intensive processes of pressing leaves into plates and twisting grass fibers into ropes, Bhaskar Machinery enables these communities, especially women, to take up alternative livelihoods. This empowerment helps reduce distress migration and supports economic stability. Jogendra’s inclusive approach, prioritizing ease of operability for individuals with disabilities, further ensures the wide usability of these machines, promoting rural and tribal upliftment, a circular economy, and environmental sustainability.
KavinTech Corporation