The International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) has been granted its first industrial design patent in India for a solar-powered water hyacinth harvester, developed by its team of scientists.

Practical solution

This simple and affordable machine offers a practical solution for rural farming communities grappling with water hyacinth infestations. The in-house designed and fabricated harvester, priced under ₹2 lakh, is a cost-effective alternative to sophisticated machinery, providing substantial savings in cost, time, and labour while utilising clean energy. The harvester can be operated by semi-skilled or unskilled workers. 

Water hyacinth, a fast-growing aquatic weed, poses a major threat to rural ecosystems, fisheries, and waterways. Just 8-10 plants can proliferate into over 600,000 plants within 6-8 months. 

Icrisat’s experiments have demonstrated the efficiency of the harvester, capable of clearing a 3-acre pond in just 2-3 days. “Compare this with manual harvesting, which requires 10–20 laborers and takes 18–20 days to complete,” ML Jat, Research Programme Director of Resilient Farm and Food Systems, Icrisat, said.

The project also empowers local communities, particularly women’s self-help groups, to participate in the valorisation process, creating alternative livelihoods and boosting the rural economy. 

The harvester was developed as part of a project supported by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha.