Photo : TDM
Shimson Saha Shimu from Narkelbari village in Gopalganj made a groundbreaking fuel-saving device that could help in alleviating agricultural productivity in the midst of an ongoing global fuel crisis. It is known locally as the magic box.
Shimu's device (box) is making waves for its impressive energy-conserving attributes. When integrated into irrigation pumps, the device purportedly saves at least 80% of the energy. For such a monumental leap in efficiency, Department of Agriculture foresees substantial benefits if the innovation is disseminated among farmers with government support.
Usually traditional irrigation systems using a small four-horsepower engine and a three-inch pump typically manage to lift a mere 5 liters of water per second. But if this power device is connected with the same machine and pump, it is possible to lift 18 liters of water per second. It has been proved in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and government a2i (Aspire to Innovate) examination. He also obtained certificate. It is offering a ray of hope to farmers as the fuel expenses are escalating. However, he has not received government or private support so far. As a result, this technology of his discovery is falling due to carelessness and negligence.
Shimu's journey from a modest background to an acclaimed inventor is as remarkable as his invention itself. Hailing from Narkelbari village, he passed secondary school from a high school in the area and moved to Chittagong. After that, he studied at a technical college in Chattogram, but could not go far due to lack of finances. He then started working in a machinery shop. From there he carried out various machine repair work. Then he came to Gopalganj in 1979 and worked as a block supervisor of land irrigation. But due to constant increase in diesel prices and crisis, farmers stopped taking water from it.
Motivated to find a solution, Shimu initially designed a fuel-less irrigation system. Subsequent iterations led to the development of the device—a device capable of amplifying water extraction by 14 times while consuming just one liter of fuel oil. His invention was granted a patent by the Ministry of Industry for its transformative potential. Shimu got an award for his contribution to agriculture at the district and upazila level the same year he made the device. After that, he applied to some ministries for money for commercial production.
Despite the accolades and certifications, Shimu has faced an uphill battle in securing financial support to bring his innovation to scale. While he received modest assistance from the a2i project initiated by the Prime Minister's Office, substantial funding remains elusive. With an estimated production cost of Tk 12 to 13 thousand per unit and a lifespan of over 7 years, Shimu estimates that Tk 1.5 crore is needed to proliferate the device across Bangladesh.
He also said that even though he made device (box) with his intelligence and knowledge, there has been no official or non-governmental response so far. However, through the a2i project, he has received a little support to develop the technology from Prime Minister. In the meantime, after applying three times to the Prime Minister's Office, the grant was approved. But since the budget was over in the 2014-2015 financial year, Shimu was returned saying that the grant would be given to him in the next year. After that no one looked for him.
Shimu also said that already when he took the device (box) to RFL company in Rangpur, they were satisfied to see the water withdrawal but he did not get any assurance. However, he said if he gets government support, he can make this device in his own workshop.
Gopalganj District Agriculture Extension Directorate's Deputy Director, Md Quader, highlighted the benefits of the magic box. He envisions that farmers' time and money can be saved while potentially reducing fuel usage by 80%. Quader believes that this device (box) can be made and spread across the country, in one hand it will save fuel and on the other hand the farmers will benefit financially.
TDM/SD
