Innovation by the Nation’s Youth: Unsri Develops the First Electric Cultivator for Local Farmers

This environmentally
friendly agricultural tool is expected to be a new breakthrough in boosting farmers’ productivity while supporting the national program to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

“This innovation is not merely the result of research, but tangible proof that Unsri wants to be present in the community. Through the ‘Campus with Impact’ concept, we ensure that farmers and business owners can directly benefit from the research and technology developed on campus,” said Irsyadi Yani, ST, MEng, PhD, First Associate Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Unsri.

Irsyadi made these remarks while presenting the electric cultivator to Prabumulih Mayor H. Arlan. The handover took place at the Prabumulih Mayor’s Office on Monday, September 22, 2025.

This electric cultivator was designed and manufactured by a team from the Unsri Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Program. Measuring 850 x 500 x 750 mm, the tool is compact, lightweight, and easy to move, making it suitable for use on narrow plots of land or in locations that are difficult for large tractors to reach.

Despite its small size, it offers a full range of functions. These include tilling fine soil to a depth of approximately 15 cm using a rotary blade; creating water channels 10–20 cm wide using a ditcher blade;
and quickly removing weeds via a weeding wheel.

The operating system is also simple. Farmers simply turn the ignition key until the battery monitor lights up, then adjust the throttle to power the electric motor. The motor’s power is then transmitted to a gear reducer that rotates the blades according to the selected gear. In the future, the machine’s battery could be integrated with a solar panel, making it even more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

So far, small electric tractors like this have not been mass-produced in Indonesia. Their introduction presents a significant opportunity as a solution for modern agricultural mechanization, particularly for regions that still rely on traditional equipment.

“This innovation is very helpful for farmers, especially in saving time and energy. In addition to being efficient, the use of electricity is also more environmentally friendly because it reduces dependence on fossil fuels,” said Prabumulih Mayor Arlan after receiving the equipment.

The handover of this electric cultivator also reaffirms Unsri’s commitment as a State University with Legal Entity Status (PTN-BH) focused on creating tangible impact. This flagship program aligns with the guidance of the Unsri Rector, who encourages the direct application of research outcomes and community service initiatives by the university for the benefit of the community.

Through this innovation, Unsri’s Faculty of Engineering not only produces high-quality graduates but also delivers appropriate technology capable of improving farmers’ well-being while supporting regional development.