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Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Monster' to miracle: How a machine in Punjab became India's harvesting hero
It began as a mechanical curiosity — a giant, noisy machine that many farmers once feared would ruin their crops. Some dismissed it as a 'monster.' Yet five decades later, the combine harvester has become the backbone of mechanised harvesting in India. Punjab, which fed the nation after the Green Revolution, is now also the cradle of this machine, supplying farms across the country and beyond with growing export orders. From just a couple of manufacturers in the early 1970s, the state now houses about 100 combine harvester manufacturing units, with a dozen major players. Kartar and Manku (makers of the Vishal brand) dominate the field with nearly 50% of the market. Other top names include Malkit, Preet, New Gurdeep and Guru Nanak Agriculture Engineering. What began in the dusty bylanes of Bhadson, Patiala, Nabha, and Malerkotla in the wake of the Green Revolution (1965–66) was an audacious experiment: building a combine harvester from scratch. At a time when even a single machine a year was considered an achievement, these pioneers laid the foundation of an industry that now turns out around 8,000 self-propelled harvesters annually — a Rs 2,000-crore sector, with an average machine priced at about Rs 25 lakh. This journey — from a hand-built machine costing a few lakhs to a nationwide industry — is one of grit, innovation and rural ingenuity. At its heart lies the industrious Ramgarhia community, originally part of the Ramgarhia Misl, a Sikh warrior group. Comprising Lohars (blacksmiths) and Tarkhans (carpenters), they were known for their craftsmanship. Based initially in Patiala, Sangrur and Malerkotla, they later expanded to Ludhiana and Barnala, transforming a humble idea into a nationwide agricultural revolution. 'In those days, mechanisation had just started with the Green Revolution, which boosted food production and created a need for machines to manage large-scale farming,' recalls Amar Singh, chairman of Dashmesh Group — a National Award winner in 2010 — and the All India Combine Manufacturers Association. 'A few combines were imported from Germany by Markfed, and we were inspired. At the time, we were only making small implements like the then-latest Toka (chaff cutter). The whole village would gather to watch it. We thought — why not build this machine ourselves?' By the early 1970s, brands like Kartar, Dashmesh Group and Bharat Combines — then basic farm toolmakers — had entered the space. 'We started by modifying imported machines and introduced our own tractor-mounted combines, though they needed several iterations before official certification,' says Singh. 'We all knew each other — some were relatives, others distant kin — and supported one another as we refined our designs.' Mankamal Singh, an MBA who joined the family business along with his father Sukhdev Singh, traces Bharat Combines' legacy: 'The Bharat 730 Deluxe Self-Propelled Harvester Combine was developed by my uncle Faqir Singh and his brothers, who started by repairing farm machinery. He visited Germany and other countries, bringing back ideas. In 1966, they launched their first harvester tailored to Indian needs. After years of trials and the registration of Jiwan Agricultural Implement Workshop C.I.S. Ltd. in Patiala in 1970, the Bharat 730 Deluxe became one of the key players in India's Green Revolution. By 1989, it received official certification from the Central Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute, Budni.' Almost all these early brands launched their machines around the same time, with Kartar introducing the first in 1974. Today, combine parts are made in nearly every corner of Nabha and Bhadson. What began as an experiment has become a full-blown industry, with Swaraj and others joining in the 1980s. Winning over sceptics 'After making them, it wasn't easy,' Mankamal admits. 'Farmers didn't trust the machines. We had to literally beg them: 'Just try it on a few kanals. If it fails, don't use it again.'' But the results were startling. 'Farmers were so impressed, it felt like inqilab aa gaya (a revolution had arrived) in Punjab,' he recalls. Today, with minor tweaks, the same machines harvest multiple crops, and manufacturers are adding AI and other upgrades. Soon after, self-propelled harvesters arrived. Machines became smarter and stronger, and production scaled up — from one or two units a year to full-fledged factories across Punjab's combine belt: Samana, Malerkotla, Barnala, Nabha and Sangrur. 'It's now an ecosystem,' says Mankamal. 'I remember my father saying how reluctant farmers once were. In Andhra Pradesh, they even called these machines 'monsters' that would destroy crops. Now they're the most sought-after tool every harvest season,' Mankamal says. From a few lakh rupees in the 1970s, a combine harvester today costs Rs 25–35 lakh, depending on features. More than saving time, these machines transformed farm life. 'Earlier, harvesting, threshing and cleaning took nearly two and a half months and relied on proper wind. Now it's done in hours by a single machine,' Singh says. Equipped with more than a dozen components, they accomplish everything in one go. Krishan Kumar, who has spent nearly three decades in sales at Kartar Combines, calls the transformation staggering: 'From manually assembled machines to today's computerised precision models — it's a huge leap. Back then, a breakdown could take days. Now, most issues are fixed within hours. With one tractor in 1974, we now manufacture 25 machines a day.' Baldev Singh, chairman of the All India Agriculture Mechanical Machinery Association and president of the Punjab State Agriculture Industry Manufacturers Association, credits consistent quality: 'Punjab's machines have earned trust nationwide — from farmers to dealers. Despite new units in Gujarat, Punjab remains unmatched in scale, quality and engineering precision. Our harvesters are the first choice in several Asian and African countries.' A growing ecosystem Today, 85% of harvesters built in Punjab go to other states, with the remaining 15% used locally. Multi-crop attachments allow them to harvest wheat, paddy, maize and more in one pass. Punjab has around 18,000 harvesters, with 15% replaced each year. Every season, 5,000-6,000 machines head to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for early harvesting before returning home for Punjab's crop cycle. The industry has spurred allied businesses — fabrication units, paint shops, tyre dealers, gear manufacturers, transporters and mechanics — sustaining thousands of livelihoods across semi-urban and rural Punjab. Jagdeep Singh, a farmer from Sangrur, captures the shift: 'Our elders used to walk behind a sickle all day. Now I can harvest 15 acres in a day. This machine saved us — from labour shortages and rising costs. It's a lifeline in farming.' Challenges The rising input costs, volatile steel prices, lack of formal government recognition and limited infrastructure, especially for smaller units are among the few challenges. Yet manufacturers are betting on AI diagnostics, GPS systems and smart displays. Most combines sell in the Rabi (wheat) and Kharif (paddy) seasons, with the industry running at full capacity for about five months annually. Many new models now feature Super Straw Management Systems (Super SMS), mandatory in Punjab to curb stubble burning. 'Punjab's combine sector contributes hundreds of crores annually to the state's economy and provides employment to thousands,' says Jagdeep. From welding shops in narrow alleys to sprawling factories, Punjab's combine harvester story is one of rural engineering and quiet industrial strength — the 'monster' turned miracle, powering harvests that feed a nation.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cops seize firearms, Maoist items from shootout site
1 2 3 Berhampur: Police seized firearms and items belonging to the Maoists from Pushungia reserve forest under Kandhamal district, a day after two rebels from Chhattisgarh were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces on Monday. "During the search operation, security forces recovered a .303 rifle with sling, magazine, a revolver and ammunition, revolver pouch with sling, a knife, walkie-talkies and spare battery, shaving blades, umbrella and a haversack," Kandhamal SP Harish BC said on Tuesday. He said anti-Maoist operation has been intensified in the area following suspicion the rebels may be hiding in the dense forest following the shootout. The SP said Manku, the area committee member, carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh on his head, while Chandan, a party member, had a Rs 2 lakh bounty. Police said family members of the deceased Maoists did not came to claim their bodies so far. "We will wait for another two days before disposing of their bodies," the SP said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Odisha police guns down two Maoists in Kandhamal forest
BERHAMPUR/PHULBANI: Odisha Police gunned down two Maoists in Kandhamal district and seized arms and ammunition from their camp on Monday. The deceased were identified as Manku and Chandan, both natives of neighbouring Chhattisgarh and members of Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the banned CPI-Maoist outfit. Apart from recovering the bodies of the two ultras, security forces seized a rifle, revolvers, cartridges, walkie-talkie sets, batteries and other items from the encounter site, informed Kandhamal SP Harisha BC. The SP said acting on a tip-off about presence of Maoists in Puranjiba reserve forest within Baliguda police limits along Kandhamal-Kalahandi border, a combing operation was launched by the district voluntary force (DVF) and SOG jawans since the last two days. 'Around noon today, there was a gunfight between security forces and Maoists. The ultras opened fire on spotting the security personnel, prompting retaliation. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the two Maoists were eliminated,' he said. Manku worked as an area committee member (ACM) in the KKBN division. Chandan was a member of the banned outfit operating in Kandhamal district. Security forces have intensified combing operation to ensure that no other Maoists are present in the area, the SP added. Following the encounter, DGP YB Khurania congratulated the Kandhamal SP and the DVF team on the success. Sources said with the anti-Naxal operation being intensified in Chhattisgarh, the Maoists are reportedly sneaking into the forests of Odisha. Kandhamal with its dense forests is proving to be a safe haven for the ultras. However, their activities have been curtailed due to incessant rains in the region since the last one week. In 2024, security forces killed six Maoists and arrested another eight ultras in Odisha. Similarly, 24 Maoists laid down their arms last year.
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Two Maoists killed in encounter
Bhubaneswar: Two Maoists were gunned down by Odisha Police in Kandhamal district on Monday and arms and ammunition seized from their camp, an official statement said. The deceased Maoists were identified as Manku and Chandan. While Manku was an Area Committee Member (ACM) in the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), Chandan was a party member. Apart from recovering the two bodies, the security personnel seized a rifle from the spot. Revolvers, cartridges, walkie-talkie sets, batteries and other items have also been seized, the statement issued by the police headquarters said. Acting on a tip-off about the presence of some Maoists near a protected forest in Baliguda police station area, the District Voluntary Force (DVF) launched an operation. 'Today around noon, there was a gunfight between DVF jawans and Naxalites. Manku and Chandan were killed in an exchange of gunfire. Police seized the bodies and intensified the operation in the area,' the statement said. Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania congratulated Kandhamal SP Harisha B C and members of the DVF for the successful operation.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Security forces gun down 2 Maoists in Kandhamal forest
1 2 Berhampur: Two Maoists from Chhattisgarh were killed in an exchange of fires with security forces in Budhaguda forest in Kandhamal district on Monday, police said. The deceased rebels were identified as Manku and Chandan. While Manku was an area committee member (ACM) of the banned CPI (Maoist)'s Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division, Chandan was a party member. Police said both were active in Kandhamal. "Two firearms, including a .303 rifle, a walkie-talkie and Rs 4,500 were recovered from the spot," said SP (Kandhamal), Harsish B C. "Details about the deceased Maoists' involvement in any violent activities in Kandhamal or any other area in the state are being verified," he said. Acting on intelligence inputs about the presence of rebels in the area, district voluntary force (DVF) and special operation group (SOG) personnel launched an anti-Maoist operation in the area on Sunday. During the operation, an exchange of fire took place around noon on Monday in Budaguda forest. "After the gun battle, security forces found two bodies from the spot, while other Maoists managed to flee," the SP said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Andhra Pradesh Mosquito Crisis Solved by Strange New Device (See How) Mosquito Eliminator Read More Undo He said no jawan was injured in the exchange of fire, which lasted for about half an hour. Anti-Maoist operation in the area was further intensified by deploying more forces suspecting the Maoists who fled might have hidden in the dense forest, police said. DGP Y B Khurania commended the Kandhamal SP and security forces for the successful operation. Sources said it was the first major anti-Maoist operation in Kandhamal after Oct 2023, when security forces gunned down a divisional committee member of KKBN.
