MUMBAI, India, March 13 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641019977 A) filed by Dr. M. Dhananivetha; Dr. R. Krishnasamy; Kodeeswaran. M; Nandhakumar. M; and Dhanush. A. S, Erode, Tamil Nadu, on Feb. 20, for 'development of a budget-friendly tapioca planter to enhance planting efficiency.'

Inventor(s) include Dr. M. Dhananivetha; Dr. R. Krishnasamy; Kodeeswaran. M; Nandhakumar. M; and Dhanush. A. S.

The application for the patent was published on March 13, under issue no. 11/2026.

According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "Development of a budget-friendly tapioca planter to enhance planting efficiency is the proposed invention. The cultivation of tapioca (cassava) is a highly labour-intensive process, particularly during the planting stage, which significantly impacts overall productivity and cost-efficiency. This project aims to develop a budget-friendly tapioca planter designed to enhance planting efficiency while remaining accessible to small and medium-scale farmers. The proposed planter incorporates simple mechanical components to automate the placement of stem cuttings into the soil at uniform spacing and depth, thereby reducing manual labour and ensuring consistent crop establishment. By utilizing locally available materials and low-cost manufacturing techniques, the planter offers an affordable solution without compromising durability or performance. The design and fabrication of the prototype highlight its potential to increase productivity, reduce drudgery, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This innovation addresses the growing need for mechanization in root crop farming and supports the economic upliftment of rural farming communities. Cassava is a vital food crop cultivated extensively in tropical regions such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. It serves as a staple food for millions due to its adaptability to varied climatic and soil conditions. India is also a significant producer of cassava, with states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka contributing substantially to national production."

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