70-Year-Old Innovator Ram Milan Bhardwaj Develops Low-Cost Seeder Machine

New Device Promises Efficient and Affordable Sowing for Pulses like Chickpeas, Peas, and Pigeon Peas

Meerut: Innovation isn't confined to elite laboratories or academic institutions — sometimes, it emerges directly from the fields. Proving this, 70-year-old grassroots innovator Ram Milan Bhardwaj from Meerut has developed an affordable and practical seeder machine that could significantly ease the workload of small and marginal farmers across the country.

Bhardwaj, associated with the Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC), MIET Meerut Foundation, has designed a seeder machine specifically tailored for crops like chickpeas (chana), peas (matar), pigeon peas (arhar), and other pulses. The machine stands out for its simplicity, efficiency, and affordability, costing just ₹15,000 to produce.

Education No Barrier to Innovation

Despite receiving formal education only up to Class 8, Ram Milan Bhardwaj’s deep understanding of agricultural challenges and hands-on experience in farming have positioned him as a trailblazer in grassroots innovation.

"Observing the difficulties faced by fellow farmers during sowing seasons, I felt the need to develop something that could ease the process while saving time and labor," said Bhardwaj.

High Impact, Low Cost

The seeder machine is designed to increase productivity by significantly reducing the time and manual effort required for sowing pulses. Its low-cost construction and user-friendly mechanism make it especially viable for small and mid-sized farmers — a segment often overlooked in mainstream agri-tech development.

According to ACIC MIET CEO Prashant Kumar Gupta, “The Atal Community Innovation Centre is committed to supporting rural innovators like Ram Milan Bhardwaj, by giving them the platform to commercialize their ideas and gain social recognition.”

Patent Secured, Potential for Scale

The machine has already been patented, opening the door for potential commercial production. Gupta emphasized that if agri-tech companies or startups partner to scale up this innovation, it could positively impact thousands of farmers nationwide.

“This innovation is not just a tool; it’s a transformative idea that can improve livelihoods while encouraging more grassroots inventors,” he added.

Bhardwaj’s invention serves as a powerful reminder that innovation knows no age or academic boundaries. His journey from a small village field to the innovation ecosystem is a testament to the untapped potential of India's rural talent.