Blind Farming

In 2018, inspired by two visually impaired farmers in Vijayapura, Karnataka, who were forced to lease out their land due to their inability to farm, Girish Badragond pioneered India’s first Blind Farming Technology This groundbreaking system empowers visually challenged farmers to manage agriculture independently through a combination of digital aids and automated systems.

At its core, the technology includes a handheld digital stick embedded with sensors that measure soil moisture, nutrient levels, and temperature. What sets it apart is its audio output system—providing real-time spoken updates about crop and soil conditions, enabling farmers to navigate and cultivate their fields independently.

The innovation also incorporates an audio-enabled irrigation system powered by solar energy. This system automatically waters crops when soil moisture dips below a threshold, ensuring consistent irrigation even when the farmer is not physically present.

Additional features in the complete package include a bird Repeller and an alarm system to protect crops from wildlife and intruders. The entire solution is solar-operated and typically costs around ₹3 lakh, with pricing varying based on land size and individual farmer requirements.

Girish implemented this innovation with support from local philanthropic organizations, setting up a two-acre demo plot where visually impaired farmers received training and became confident in using the technology. One of them now successfully grows mangoes, chikoo, and bananas and sells the produce locally. Moreover, visually impaired farmers from Raichur came to the demo site for hands on learning before implementing the solution on their own lands 

Through Krishitharanga Farm tech LLP, founded around that time, Girish continues to develop cost-effective, user-friendly farming tools, and plans to establish a precision farming training centre specifically designed for visually impaired farmers