Villagers of Nilanga in Latur, Maharashtra, have been troubled by water scarcity and poor rain since 2015. Inadequate rainfall has had a severe impact on farming and other agricultural activities. Besides the shortage of drinking water, the immediate visible effects were loss of labour and cattle. Agricultural activities took a backseat and the economy suffered. Like others in the area, Maqbul Shaikh, who has 3 acres of agricultural land, was in dire straits.
The 43-year-old farmer gave away his bullocks, owing to lack of fodder and drinking water. The loss, combined with shortage of labour, inhibited him from pursuing farming activities. But Maqbul turned this crisis into an opportunity, and built an innovative bullet tractor at 1/10th the cost of the one in the market.
The innovation has since become popular to the extent that 140 bullet tractors have been sold in and around the village. He was also recognised and awarded by the state government for this initiative.