Shaktiman sets new standard for farming with modern mechanisation training centre

From left: Invincia Agroimpex Promoter Directors Gurmeet Sahani and M.P. Sahani, Shaktiman International Business SVP Shashank Watane, Country Manager Gajaba De Silva, and Customer Care International Business Head Rajendra Paradkar at press briefing in Negombo 

Shaktiman International Business SVP 

Shashank Watane

Shaktiman Country Manager Gajaba De Silva

By Tania de Silva

In a landmark initiative to revolutionise Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, Shaktiman, the globally acclaimed agricultural machinery manufacturer, has announced the establishment of an agricultural mechanisation training centre in Sri Lanka. 

This pivotal move aims to address the country’s current mechanisation rate, which stands at a mere 10%, compared to over 90% in developed nations like the USA. The initiative is poised to enhance farmer incomes and mitigate labour shortages by introducing advanced farming technologies and practices.

Shaktiman Senior Vice President of International Business Shashank Watane emphasised the company’s commitment to improving the quality of life for farmers. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive, affordable solutions that go beyond just selling machines,” he stated. He highlighted Shaktiman’s philosophy of “By Farmers, For Farmers,” underscoring their deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers and their dedication to addressing these issues through tailored, innovative solutions. Shaktiman’s diverse product range includes equipment for the entire crop cycle, from seed bed preparations to residue management, tailored to meet regional needs.

Shaktiman Country Manager Gajaba De Silva confirmed that preliminary work for the centre is complete. “We are committed to empowering the youth and farmers through education on advanced agricultural machinery,” he said. This initiative is timely, as the younger generation shows declining interest in farming, leading to a notable labour scarcity in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

According to a 2023 report by the Department of Census and Statistics in Sri Lanka, the country’s agricultural sector employs about 27% of the workforce but contributes only 7.4% to the GDP. This disparity highlights the inefficiencies in current farming practices. Mechanisation is seen as a critical solution to bridging this gap. The mechanisation training centre is a significant step towards educating farmers on maximising the efficiency of current machinery and introducing further mechanisation to save time, labour, and costs.

Invincia Agroimpex Ltd. Promoter Director Gumeet Sahani expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Shaktiman. “Our collaboration aims to bring the best agricultural technologies to Sri Lankan farmers, ensuring they have access to the tools needed to boost productivity and sustainability,” he said.

Shaktiman’s approach to machinery design is meticulous, ensuring that each product is adapted to the specific climatic conditions, soil types, and geographical factors of the respective regions. This customer-centric approach has led to the successful adaptation of approximately 20 Shaktiman machines in Sri Lanka, which are now widely accepted by local farmers. The company’s product portfolio includes a range of advanced equipment such as self-propelled sprayers, paddy combine harvesters, and sugarcane harvesters, all designed to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Shaktiman Head of International Customer Care Rajendra Paradkar emphasised the company’s dedication to consumer safety and innovation. “From the initial design phase, we prioritise consumer safety. Our ongoing research aims to anticipate and solve future agricultural challenges, fostering an environmentally sustainable industry,” he remarked.

Shaktiman’s future plans include expanding manufacturing facilities to integrate all production processes under one roof, ensuring continuous modernisation and adherence to the latest technologies. “Our research initiatives, driven by over 100 dedicated research groups, focus on identifying and addressing future challenges in the agricultural industry. We aim to promote environment-friendly agriculture that reduces production costs and maximises farm profits,” added Watane.

A study conducted by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) in 2022 indicated that mechanisation could increase rice yield by 15-20% and reduce labour costs by up to 30%. These statistics underscore the potential benefits of increased mechanisation in Sri Lanka’s agriculture. The event, titled Shakti Meet Sri Lanka 2024, was organised to recognise and celebrate the efforts of Shaktiman’s value channel partners, retailers, and sub-dealers. The gathering, attended by over 250 guests including representatives from Brown and Company, Singer Sri Lanka, Dimo PLC, AG Star PLC, and Kugan Motors, also provided a platform to discuss future opportunities and unveil new initiatives. Sales representatives who achieved notable success were honoured at the event, which was enriched with glamorous entertainment.

Shaktiman’s partnership with Invincia Agroimpex is expected to further strengthen their presence in the Sri Lankan market. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing agricultural mechanisation in the region, promising a prosperous future for Sri Lanka’s agriculture. Shaktiman has already initiated efforts to provide mechanisation solutions for fruit crops like guava, particularly in the North and East regions of Sri Lanka, which have traditionally been less mechanised.

Shaktiman continues to innovate with several key products tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern agriculture:

1. Pneumatic Planter: Designed for precise seed placement and efficient planting, this planter ensures uniform seed distribution, maximising crop yields and reducing seed wastage.

2. Subsoiler: This advanced tillage equipment helps break up compacted soil layers, improving soil aeration and water infiltration, which is essential for healthy crop growth.

3. Mini Round Baler: Ideal for small to medium-sized farms, this baler efficiently compacts crop residues into manageable bales, facilitating easier handling and storage.

4. Mulcher: This equipment is designed to finely chop crop residues, which can then be used as mulch to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.

5. Armed Flail Mower: Equipped with robust flail knives, this mower is perfect for clearing dense vegetation and maintaining pastures, ensuring a clean and well-managed farmland.

6. Self-Propelled Sprayer: With advanced spraying technology, this machine provides precise application of pesticides and fertilisers, enhancing crop protection and growth.

These products reflect Shaktiman’s commitment to providing farmers with state-of-the-art machinery that addresses every aspect of the crop cycle, from planting to harvest.

Founded in 1997, Shaktiman is the world’s leading manufacturer of rotary tillers and a pioneer in agricultural machinery. With a significant presence in Europe, Latin America, and North America, the company is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural sector through innovative, high-quality, and affordable solutions.