Tree Scooter transforms areca nut harvesting in India | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the lush coastal town of Mangaluru in India’s Karnataka state, Ganapathi Bhat, a 50-year-old farmer, has revolutionized areca nut harvesting. He astonished the world with his ingenious creation, the tree scooter.

This homemade contraption, comprising a small motor, rudimentary seat, and wheels, has become a game-changer for Bhat and other farmers facing the challenge of climbing towering trees for their crops.

Every morning, Bhat sets out to his 18-acre farm equipped with his tree scooter.

The device allows him to swiftly ascend 60- to 70-foot-tall areca nut trees, a task that was becoming increasingly challenging with age. Lacking affordable labour, Bhat took matters into his own hands, determined to find a solution that would simplify the arduous process of harvesting.

Facing scepticism from villagers about his invention’s efficacy, particularly during the rainy season, Bhat persisted.

Beginning in 2014, he invested 40 lakh rupees into research and development.

Four years later, Bhat, along with his engineer partner, unveiled a working prototype of the tree scooter.

The tree scooter has since become a game-changer for areca nut farmers, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional climbing methods.

Strapped securely to the contraption with a seatbelt, Bhat navigates the trees with ease, inspecting the crops high above the ground before descending rapidly.

Bhat’s invention has not only transformed his own farming experience but has also resonated with others in the community.

He has successfully sold over 300 tree scooters for ₹62,000 each, making it an economically viable solution for farmers facing similar challenges.

Expressing his sense of accomplishment, Bhat feels proud that this invention is useful for people.

His dedication to finding a solution to the age-old problem of climbing tall trees for crop harvesting showcases the transformative power of innovation in agriculture.

Ganapathi Bhat’s tree scooter stands as a testament to the impact that individual ingenuity can have on traditional farming practices.

As this innovation continues to gain popularity, it not only eases the burden on farmers but also highlights the potential for technology to revolutionize agriculture in unexpected ways.

Image Credit: Thamizhpparithi Maari, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:An_Areca_nut_plants_in_Salem.JPG