Pioneering Agricultural Innovation: The Journey of Hemanth S Rao and His Revolutionary Rubber Tapping Tool
Siddaganga Incubation Foundation (SIF), a section 8 non-profit entity located at Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru, Karnataka, focuses on supporting innovations in Agritech and allied areas, nurturing startup culture to address challenges in rural India. Recognized by NSTEDB, Department of Science & Technology, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India, SIF offers pre-incubation and incubation programs for early-stage startups and invests in startups through the SISFS scheme.
In the realm of agriculture, innovation and sustainability intersect to address critical challenges faced by farmers worldwide. Hemanth S Rao, an accomplished chemical engineer with experience as a production supervisor, embarked on a transformative journey with the development of a revolutionary rubber tapping tool.
Hemanth’s professional journey spans roles that honed his operational and process management skills. Currently serving as an Associate Product Developer at InUnity LLP, he leverages his engineering knowledge to drive product innovation and improvement while embarking on an entrepreneurial venture to enhance agricultural practices.
Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural domain, particularly for farmers in his native coastal Karnataka region, Hemanth noticed the challenges faced by rubber farmers due to the lack of innovative tools for precise rubber tapping. This insight inspired him to develop a solution that simplifies the tapping process, enhances precision, and boosts farmers’ yields, ultimately benefiting the community.
In 2022, Hemanth began developing a rubber tapping tool with a mission to provide cutting-edge, precise, and efficient rubber tapping solutions for farmers. The project’s goal is to simplify the rubber tapping process, improve yields, and reduce dependence on skilled labor, thereby improving employability rates and positively affecting the community.
The rubber tapping tool designed by Hemanth offers several unique features: preservation of the cambium layer, precise tapping, improved groove paths, and reduced labor reliance. This product stands out for its innovative features and efficiency, setting it apart from conventional tapping knives available in the market. Despite competitors like CIHEVEA, a Chinese company, Hemanth’s tool offers superior value by providing more features at an affordable price.
The project thrives on the expertise of a talented team of four members: Prakash Urs, Senior Product Developer, oversees materials and manufacturing; Gautham Nayak, with a master’s degree in design (M. Des), manages design and development; and Sayooj MK, another designer, handles the tool’s design elements. Together, they bring a well-rounded approach to the product’s creation, supported by Hemanth’s leadership and vision.
Currently in the research and development phase, the team is developing and testing their minimum viable product (MVP). They have already received valuable feedback on the design of the handle, which they are actively refining. Engaging with farmers from various regions, they have leveraged their network connections to understand the needs and feedback of different farmer groups.
The project has received a grant of INR 5 lakh from Siddaganga Incubation Foundation (SIF) for the research and development of their tool. Moving forward, they plan to apply for additional grants from the Rubber Board and other institutions to support their operations and growth.
Despite challenges in scaling operations and promoting eco-friendly technologies in a traditional agricultural landscape, Hemanth and his team have overcome barriers through strategic collaborations, farmer education programs, and innovative marketing approaches. The positive feedback from their clientele underscores the impact of their innovative solutions.
Hemanth’s journey underscores the importance of determination, risk-taking, and learning from experiences in entrepreneurship. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay determined, embrace risks, and remain focused on their goals.
Hemanth S Rao’s project epitomizes a commitment to sustainable agriculture, driven by innovation and a profound dedication to transforming the future of farming. Through eco-friendly solutions and visionary leadership, Hemanth continues to pave the way for a greener, healthier agricultural landscape.