Punjab Brothers' Trolley Innovation Cuts Farmer Costs, Draws National Demand
In a small village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, two brothers have built an engineering enterprise that is helping farmers across India transport heavy agricultural loads more efficiently, while generating employment in rural areas and attracting demand from multiple states.
Malkiat Singh (41) and his younger brother Gurmeet Singh, founders of Zaildaar Innovations in Hayatpur Kotli village near Mukerian, have developed a patented Power Take-Off (PTO)-driven trolley technology. This technology enables heavily loaded agricultural trolleys to assist tractors in movement, reducing fuel consumption, labour costs and operational difficulties.
The innovation addresses a common challenge faced by sugarcane farmers and others who need to transport heavy loads over uneven terrain. Traditionally, tractors pulling heavily loaded trolleys consume more fuel and suffer from reduced traction, leading to higher costs and breakdowns. The PTO-driven system uses the tractor's power output to drive the trolley's wheels, effectively distributing the load and improving efficiency.
According to the brothers, the system has been tested extensively and has shown up to 30% reduction in fuel consumption, along with a significant decrease in wear and tear on both tractor and trolley. This not only saves money for farmers but also extends the life of their equipment.
Zaildaar Innovations has grown steadily since its inception. The company recorded a turnover of approximately Rs 18 crore in the last financial year and expects to reach nearly Rs 70 crore this year, driven by demand from multiple states across India.
The venture has also created jobs in the rural area, employing local workers in manufacturing, assembly, and sales. The brothers have plans to expand further, aiming to set up additional production units and a pan-India distribution network.
Malkiat Singh recently approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging threats to his life and livelihood, but the details of the legal case are not central to the technological achievement. The focus remains on the positive impact of their innovation on Indian agriculture.
Experts in agricultural engineering have noted that such localized innovations are crucial for improving farm productivity and profitability. The PTO-driven trolley is now being used in states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with inquiries coming from other regions as well.
The brothers’ journey from a village in Punjab to serving farmers across India underscores the potential of grassroots innovation in addressing national challenges.
