Bengaluru Startup Katidhan Innovates to Keep Animals Away from Farms Without Harm, Raises 1.5 Cr in Funding

Katidhan, founded by S R Ayan, uses technology and animal psychology to reduce human-animal conflicts and protect farmers' crops.

Bengaluru-based startup Katidhan, founded by S R Ayan, is revolutionizing the way human-animal conflicts are managed, using non-harmful methods to keep animals away from farms. By leveraging technology and animal psychology, Katidhan aims to protect farmers' crops without causing harm to wildlife.

In regions like Maharashtra, tiger attacks have led to significant human fatalities, with 86 deaths in 2021 and 105 in 2022. This rising concern among farmers highlights the critical need for effective solutions to manage human-animal conflicts. Human encroachment on forest land has exacerbated the problem, leading to increased animal activity in human settlements and significant crop losses for farmers.

Katidhan stands out by focusing on humane deterrent methods. "Katidhan aims to help farmers mitigate their losses while keeping the animals at a distance. We study their movements and use technology to scare the animals from human settlements," explains S R Ayan.

The startup's innovative approach has garnered attention, including a deal of Rs 1.5 crore on Shark Tank Season 3. Ayan, a robotics engineer, was inspired to address this issue after learning about the significant losses farmers face due to wildlife intrusions.

Katidhan's products are designed to be non-invasive, deterring animals without causing physical harm. One of their key products, Parabraksh, is a solar-powered autonomous light solution that deters animals like elephants, wild boars, and tigers by creating the illusion of another animal in the area through flashing lights. Another product, Kaapikat, uses sensors and animal sounds to scare away monkeys and is selectively sold based on regional monkey behavior.

Overcoming initial challenges, including farmers' skepticism about non-invasive methods, Katidhan conducted numerous demonstrations and partnered with organizations to build trust. Their efforts have benefitted over 2,000 farmers across India, including in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand.

Suresh Majhi, a farmer from Karnataka, shared his positive experience: "The Parabraksh device has not only scared the animals away but also helped me increase my income. Since the installation, my income has increased by Rs 80,000 due to reduced crop loss."

Katidhan's innovative, humane solutions offer a promising future for farmers struggling with wildlife conflicts, ensuring both crop protection and animal safety.

Reference:

thebetterindia.com