Just like any other hand work in agriculture, cultivating rice is another tedious farming which requires considerable resources and energy.
But Johannes Kabango from Mkaika Trading Centre in Nkhotakota District has made life easier for rice farmers.
Kabango, in his 20s, innovated a machine which has replaced the use of hoes in weeding and constructing ridges during tilting of the rice after fertilizer application.
The Nkhotakota-based innovator, a welder by profession, said his idea emanated from observing how rice farmers were struggling to have high yield and he used his technical know-how to construct one fitting machine for the task, a hand-made tractor.
“The idea of playing around with machines as a welder is the genesis for coming up with this machine. It is more of a min-tractor in its appearance but it works just perfect. Currently, I receive a lot of farmers who are hiring my machine for the same task and I am impressed with the response and feedback,” said Kabango.
He added that currently, people need to venture into industrial farming that should be highly mechanised for increased output with little resources.
Kabango added that apart from such innovation, he i also finalising manufacturing a man-made groundnuts and maize mill.
He added: “Apart from that I am also developing a tractor which will be using a domestic generator as its engine and the tractor will be using low fuel consumption at a large field. The tractor I have just invented works better in any conditions even when the field is affected by heavy rains or mud.”
Kabango added that he is yet to conclude paper works with relevant departments such as the district agriculture authorities to certify his innovation.
He has already benefited from his work as he has built a big house through the money he got when he hires a tractor.
Dwangwa Lake Shore Rice Cooperative chairperson Christian Njolomole has called on for government and private sector’s support in recognising such innovation ideas in the country’s development goals.
“We often applaud and recognise such talent because it does not only benefit the core center individual but also the community.
“We do not want to misuse such innovative ideas. Countries such as India and China are highly innovative and practice mechanised farming and the same has to be adopted in this country. Therefore, there is need to support such talent by all relevant authorities.”
Kabango is found at Mkaika Trading Centre and his contact is 0999161335
