It is an arduous task for farmers to keep vegetables fresh for long after harvesting. Transportation of the vegetables to the market is also an arduous task. During the lockdown, the life of the farmers became more difficult. At this time, Rukart, a Thane-based company, came up with a solution to help farmers keep their produce fresher for longer periods. The solution is the ‘Subjee Cooler.’
Beginning of Rukart
Rukart was found by three alumni students of IIT, Bombay – Gunavant Nehete, Shauraya Kulkarni, and Vikash Jha. Vikash graduated from college in 2016 and started working on a research project. The focus of the project was on marginalized farmers in Odisha and Maharashtra. The research findings showed that the agricultural technology available in the market did not meet the need of the marginalized farmers. It was too expensive for them.
Vikash mentioned, “While visiting villages, we realized farmers are working very hard but are not earning enough from their produce. We wanted to find a solution for their problems.” After completing his research project, Vikash started Rukart with his two college acquaintances.
Creating Subjee Cooler for Farmers
According to a survey report, many farmers are susceptible to distress sales because of limited storage facilities. The farmers get a poor price for their crops. The Subjee cooler is low maintenance and affordable vegetable cooler. It does not require electricity. The nitrogen balls in the cooling chamber keep the temperature of the cooler 5-15 degrees lower than the ambient temperature.
We can store fruits and vegetables inside the Subjee Cooler for 4 -5 days. With the help of this, the farmers can keep their produce fresh for a prolonged period.
Benefits to the Farmers
Earlier farmers used to harvest their vegetables once a week before taking them to the market. Now with Subjee Cooler, the farmers can harvest their produce 3-4 times a week. Farmers using the Subjee Cooler are earning 30 percent more compared to the other farmers.
Other Product Innovations by Rukart
Rukart has developed multiple innovative products. Peek Rakshak is another one of them. It is a defense system that lessens human-animal conflict causing no harm to the animals. The device is easily portable and reduces damages caused in the field because of animals. It reduces the patrolling costs of the farmer.
Jalkund is another innovative product from Rukart. It is a water body that can store up to 3500 to 4500 liters of rainwater. The water gets refilled in Jalkund through a river, lake, nala, and well. The water stored can be used to cultivate vegetables and fruits or irrigate horticulture crops. Rukart has developed many more such products to make the lives of farmers easier.
Buying Options Available to Farmers
The farmers can avail the products offered by Rukart at a low price. Buying the products in installments is also an option. Currently, Rukart caters to the farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and the northeastern region.
Plans for Future
The startup aims to reach out to more farmers in different states. The focus is to promote sustainable development, help marginalized farmers and innovate more cost-effective and environment-friendly agricultural devices.
To know more about Rukart, please check – Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.
To know more about Vikash Kumar Jha, please check – LinkedIn.
To know more about Gunavant Nehete, please check – LinkedIn.
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