Talent without support: Manipur technophile’s agritech mission hits financial roadblock

In a modest workshop tucked at Singajamei Chingamakha, 29-year-old innovator Yaiphaba Irom is quietly building what he believes could transform Manipur’s agricultural landscape. Armed not with an engineering degree but with self-taught expertise and short-term technical training, the young technophile has developed a suite of agri-tech hardware and software solutions—only to find his ambitions stalled by poverty and the absence of institutional support.

Yaiphaba, a Class 12 graduate, has designed a soil moisture sensor device and two web-based applications aimed at modernising farming and strengthening security operations in the state. Despite positive field trials and encouraging feedback from farmers and experts, financial constraints have prevented him from taking his innovations to market.

Born with a deep interest in electronics, Yaiphaba had aspired to pursue higher studies in electrical engineering or computer science. However, the sudden demise of his father during his higher secondary years forced him to abandon his academic dreams and shoulder family responsibilities. To sustain himself, he began repairing electronic items, working as a technician at a computer centre, and installing security cameras. Today, he runs a small shop named “Nemesis Security Solution,” offering electronic repairs and surveillance services.

His journey into agri-tech began after completing a short-term electronics course at NIELIT Imphal in 2016 and learning computer programming through online platforms using his own savings. Combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, he developed a capacitive soil moisture sensor capable of accurately measuring soil moisture, soil temperature, and ambient temperature and humidity. Unlike conventional sensors that degrade due to oxidation when exposed to moisture, his device uses capacitive technology to enhance durability and reliability.

All major components—including the Microcontroller Unit (MCU), sensors, and display units—were sourced online and assembled independently. Reliability tests conducted with agricultural experts and farmers showed promising results, with users comparing its performance favourably against existing devices. Some farmers have even urged him to commercialise the product. He is currently in the process of seeking a patent.

Beyond hardware, Yaiphaba has developed “Loumi” (meaning ‘farmer’ in Manipuri), a multilingual web-based advisory application designed to help farmers cut costs, reduce risks, increase yields, and mitigate the impact of adverse weather. Available in Manipuri, English, and Hindi, the app is accessible on both Android and iPhone platforms and has already been used informally by a small group of farmers who have shared positive feedback.

He has also created “Manipur Shield,” a web-based security coordination system intended to aid forest and police departments during operations in hill areas, including anti-poppy plantation drives. The platform enables real-time coordination, emergency alerts, and operational communication.

Adding to his portfolio, Yaiphaba is currently developing a robotic boat for fish farming communities to monitor pH and Total Dissolved Hydrogen (TDH) levels every five minutes. The device is also designed with security features to detect unauthorised activities in ponds when farm owners are away.

However, funding remains his biggest hurdle. The savings he earned from his repair work have been entirely invested in developing prototypes and software systems. Six years ago, he applied for financial assistance under a Startup scheme but was not selected. He alleges that instead of evaluating his innovation, he was advised to open a hardware store.

Efforts to collaborate with IT companies have also stalled, as upgrading his small shop into a private limited company—often a prerequisite for partnerships—requires capital beyond his means.

“I badly require financial support to fulfil my dream of transforming traditional farming into advanced, technology-driven agriculture,” Yaiphaba said, underscoring the gap between skill-development initiatives and real-world backing for grassroots innovators.

His story raises broader questions about the effectiveness of vocational and skill-training programmes in fostering innovation without providing sustained financial and institutional support. While policy frameworks emphasise self-reliance and job-oriented education, innovators like Yaiphaba highlight the pressing need for accessible funding, mentorship, and incubation support to turn ideas into impact.

The story has been produced under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal. For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at prmmcell@gmail.com