Gharaunda farmer going places with 'driverless' tractors

In a small village named Jamalpur in the Gharaunda block, a 29-year-old progressive farmer, Bir Virk, is paving the way for other farmers with his revolutionary approach to farming.

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He uses an AI-controlled system imported from Sweden to operate his three tractors without drivers.

Two years ago, when Bir first brought this system at a cost of around Rs 4 lakh for each tractor, many were doubtful, but today, his bold step is paying off. He has installed the system on his tractors, eliminating the need for a driver.

Managing over 200 acres of farmland, Bir cultivates potato, corn, and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) with outstanding efficiency — all thanks to his command-based technology.

Bir claims his auto-steering tractors and pneumatic planter sow seeds at precise distances and widths for high-yield results. It also saves time and significantly reduces labour costs. “This technology has changed everything. It saves time, reduces labour costs, and avoids overlapping during ploughing, which leads to better field coverage. The tractors have resulted in 25 per cent reduction in overall cultivation costs by saving both fuel and labour,” he said.

The tractor operates through a command system linked to an iPad, installed alongside the steering control motor. It is operated with the help of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, which maintain an accuracy of 0.01 cm, he claimed.

Before starting any task — be it ploughing, sowing, or harvesting — commands are entered, and the tractor follows them with pinpoint precision, Bir stated.

He has also installed a hood-mounted spray pump for spraying pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides. The pump covers around 70 ft, saving time and reducing wastage of chemicals.

His tractors have become a centre of attraction in the region, with farmers from across the state, and even from nearby states, visiting Bir’s farm to witness the technology in action. “They are amazed to see how it works. For many, it is their first time seeing such a machine,” said Bir, adding that it was the need of the hour to switch to modern agricultural technology to save time, reduce costs, and boost productivity. He appealed to young farmers to adopt modern techniques in agriculture to increase their income.