Samman 2024 : Gopala Krishna Sharma is best example of innovation for Kerala pepper farmers

Resident of Padre, a small village in Kasargod district, Gopala Krishna Sharma, a progressive farmer and agricultural innovator, is revolutionizing Kerala’s agricultural practices. His initiatives not only help save time and labour but also increase the global demand for agricultural produce while maintaining its quality.

Pepper: Pride of Kerala and Sharma’s contribution

Kerala’s identity, pepper, is considered the backbone of the Indian spice industry. However, harvesting and processing of pepper is extremely laborious, especially during threshing.

Problems with traditional threshing:

1. Manually rubbing the pepper kernels between the feet.

2. Filling the pepper in sacks after harvesting and thrashing them on the ground.

3. These methods are time, labour and cost consuming.

4. Adversely affects the quality of the kernels.

Gopala Krishna Sharma used his technical expertise to solve this problem and developed an advanced threshing machine.

Threshing Machine: An Introduction to Innovation

The threshing machine developed by Sharma ji has changed the scenario of pepper production.

Features of the machine:

1. High efficiency:

• Separation of up to 90% grains without damage.

2. Time saving:

• Three times faster than traditional methods.

3. Quality maintenance:

• Minimization of mechanical damage to grains.

4. Cost reduction:

• Reduction in labour and resource consumption.

Sharma ji explains,

“Maintaining the quality of pepper is very important, as its price in the market directly depends on its quality. My machine helps farmers get better prices.”

From a farmer to an innovator

Sharma ji’s journey is inspiring. • Education and experience:

He participated in regional Krishi Vigyan Kendras and national conferences, understanding the importance of agricultural equipment.

• Inspiration:

Sharma ji saw the problems of the farmers and decided to find a solution to them.

Sharma ji’s words:

“It is very important that threshing is done at the right time. Even a slight delay can spoil the quality of pepper. Thinking this, I decided to make a better machine.”

Honors and achievements

Gopala Krishna Sharma has been honored with many awards for his innovations and contributions.

Major honors:

1. Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer Award (2020):

• Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela, New Delhi.

2. Kerala State Innovative Farmer Award (2022):

• His advanced technologies were recognized at the state level.

3. National Farm Innovator Meet (2010 and 2019):

• Appreciation of his innovations.

Sharma’s response:

“Each award inspired me to move forward. My aim is to make my technology reach every farmer.”

International recognition and market impact

Sharma’s threshing machine is having an impact not only in Kerala but also internationally.

International prospects:

1. Export of pepper:

• Increased global demand for high-quality pepper.

2. Export of technology:

• Plans to export his machine to other spice producing countries.

Market impact:

• Reduction in production cost by up to 40%.

• Saving of up to 50% in labour cost.

• Improvement in market price of the product by up to 20%.

Cooperation from government and institutions

So far, Sharma has not directly benefitted from any government scheme, but his technology can become an inspiration for many government initiatives.

Potential Government Schemes:

1. National Agriculture Innovation Mission:

• Assistance for development and distribution of new technologies.

2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana:

• His machine can be integrated with advanced irrigation techniques.

3. Training for innovation in farming:

• His technology can be incorporated in training programmes.

Inspiration for farmers

Gopala Krishna Sharma’s innovation has inspired many farmers. Farmers of his village Padre are using his machine and realising its benefits.

Local farmer’s response:

“Sharma ji’s machine has saved both our hard work and time. Now we get better prices in the market.”

Future plans

Sharma ji dreams that his technology reaches every spice producing farmer.

Future priorities:

1. Modernisation of technology:

• Further improvements in the machine.

2. Empowering farmers:

• Teaching more farmers to use his machine.

3. Global expansion:

• Spread of technology outside India.

Sharma’s dream:

“I want every farmer to benefit from both quality and efficiency.”

Conclusion

Gopala Krishna Sharma’s contribution is significant not only for Kerala’s spice industry but for the entire Indian agriculture sector. His innovation is a testament to how solutions can be found by understanding the needs and problems of a farmer.

His threshing machine has proved that Indian farmers can be creators of innovation, not just consumers.

“Gopala Krishna Sharma’s efforts have shown that every problem can be solved with innovation and dedication.”