Man vs. Animals.
Rural Indian farmers face a host of problems which include draught and low market prices for their goods. As we traveled throughout the state of Karnataka, visiting small rural villages we learned of yet another problem facing farmers: elephants and wild bores.
After we piloted our on-demand generator and a small solar light to farmers in the villages there was great interest in the light. After some discuss between the farmers one asked “how much?”
“About $10” we answered.
“Where can we buy this?”
We explained it was only a prototype and asked why the interest.
“The elephants.”
“What elephants?” we asked as we looked around the village. The farmer pointed to the hills several miles away and told us to follow him. As we walked toward his field we saw downed trees pulled out of the ground. In the previous night this farmer lost his entire crop.
Current situation: The farmers stay out in the fields all night, perched in trees waiting for the elephants to arrive to feed on the crops. When the farmers hear the elephants near they throw firecrackers to scare them away. However it's so dark that it’s too late to see the elephants and often the men get badly hurt when the elephants charge the trees.
Possible Solution: The farmers said if they had a RELIABLE and affordable source of light it could help them guard their crops. Several farmers desired a pencil beam light that would reach the length of 20-30 meters allowing them to shine a light to see the animals. In many other villages we learnt of similar interest and stories about wild boars, bears and monkeys. People also desired a reliable light to see snakes as they walked the fields at night. In all cases light would offer the ability to see and protect their crops.
1 comment:
I've often had to deal with Man vs. Himself. There is no winner there.
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