HIGHLIGHTS-
- The Karnataka farmers have adopted Solar-powered milking machines.
- The sustainable method helps to derive high dairy yield while keeping the cattle comfortable.
- The method has not only simplified the milking process but has also reduced the time to milk a cow.
- Milk can be obtained from as many as 20-30 cows in an hour with this method.
Dairy farming is an essential part of the country’s agro-oriented economy. Whereas, milking cows and buffaloes takes a lot of time and effort, especially when done manually. Farmers frequently spend hours each day, early in the morning and late at night, drawing milk, which they then pass over to cooperatives or deliver to consumers’ doorsteps.
To make the process hassle-free and easy, several farmers in the Chitradurga district in Karnataka have adopted solar-powered milking machines. The Solar-powered milking method makes milking cows and buffaloes faster, easier, and more cost-effectively.
Solar-powered milking method
These sustainable technological miracles have not only simplified the milking process but have also reduced the time it takes to milk each animal. The abundance of sunlight in these locations helps the method work more efficiently. The machine is fitted with two milk-drawing points. It helps to draw milk in 8-12 minutes. It can be operated by a single person. Whereas, on the other hand, the traditional method takes around 30 minutes to milk a single cow. Milk can be obtained from as many as 20-30 cows in an hour with this method.
Financially viable for the farmers and comfortable for the animals
‘SELCO,’ a pioneer in increasing awareness about solar energy, invented the solar-powered milking machine. The machine is powered by a DC motor, which makes it both economically viable for the farmers and comfortable for the animals.
“Solar-powered milking machines have helped us obtain an excellent milk yield,” says Devaraj, a dairy farmer from Hiriyur taluk’s Hariyabbe village. We’ve also been able to sail over irregular power supplies thanks to solar energy, all while keeping the cattle’s health.”
Solar-powered milking method assures good health
SELCO has given around 331 solar-powered milking machines to dairy farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar. The goal is to encourage the use of devices that are powered by non-conventional and renewable energy sources to assist in agricultural and related activities. The demand for these devices is growing rapidly, owing to the fact that, unlike traditional electric-powered milking machines, they do not harm the animals. The adoption of this innovation has assured good health – of the milk, the animal, and us.
