India produces over 110 million tones of milk each year from over 225 million cows, the largest number of cows in any country. Over 70 million producers are involved in this process, each raising one or two cows/buffaloes.
Manual Milking of Cows
It is common for farmers in Indian villages to own cows, buffaloes and oxen. The oxen are used for plowing while the cows are a source of milk. Milk is usually extracted from the cows manually by some member of the household.
Even though modern dairies use automated machines for extracting milk from large numbers of cows simultaneously, the small farmer depends on the traditional manual practice. Milking the cow using hands is not considered very healthy or hygienic.
For one or two cows, the manual process is sufficient. But for farmers who own large herds of cattle, the milking process is time consuming and also leads to wastage or inefficient utilization because the farmer is not able to find enough labor for the manual process. Investing in a fully automatic milking machine is an expensive proposition and cannot be implemented in a rural setting where electric supply is not reliable.
Manual Milking Machine by Raghava Gowda
Raghava Gowda is a school teacher by profession. He lives in Murulya village in South Canara district of Karnataka, India. Being of an innovative nature, Raghava Gowda developed a manual milking machine after several rounds of experimentation.
His manual milking machine uses a set of reciprocating vacuum pumps, attached to a suction assembly which transfers milk to a sealed canister. Before operating the machine, it is first cleaned. The udders of the cow are also washed and wiped with a clean cotton cloth.
The suction assembly is then fitted onto the teats from which they hang by themselves due to the vacuum created. Raghava Gowda has designed this with utmost care so that the cow is not put to any pain.
Vacuum is created using a hand lever and the suction begins to work depositing milk in the canister. There is a vacuum guage for monitoring the pressure. The suction assembly has 4 configurations which can be changed to suit the cow or buffalo being milked.
National Innovation Foundation felicitates Raghava Gowda
The National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF) which is an autonomous body under dept of science and technology recognized Raghava Gowda’s innovation during its 3rd National Awards function in 2005.
Raghava Gowda’s manual milking machine costs less than Rs.7000 and can collect 1.5 to 2 liters of milk per minute. It is easy to operate, saves costs, and is the perfect device for a small farmer to milk his cows and buffaloes.
Note: If you wish to purchase this milking machine, please write to National Innovation Foundation - India (bd@nifindia.org)
Yogesh Lokhande - I am a management professional with over 10 years of experience in Information Technology, Marketing, and Education. I live in Ahmedabad, ...
