NISTI designs local solar-powered pesticide sprayer |10 March 2018

The National Institute for Science, Technology & Innovation (NISTI) has designed a solar-powered pesticide as an alternative source of renewable energy and substitute to fossil fuel with the aim of developing a ‘Made in Seychelles’ local brand.

NISTI’s principal research officer for innovation, Joseph Raj, has said that history shows that pesticide sprayer products are available in the global market but at an unaffordable price.

Mr Raj explained that the world is in a cross road of finding alternative sources of renewable energy as a substitute to fossil fuel.

“In the agricultural sector, fossil fuel is used to power machineries and equipment to ensure higher yields to contribute towards food security mainly the fight against pests which accounts for a significant loss in global agricultural production,” Mr Raj said.

He further explained that the use of motorised sprayers, though effective, has a detrimental impact on the environment by contributing to global warming.  In agriculture, the use of pesticides is important to protect the crops for food security.

NISTI’s solar-powered pesticide sprayer has a solar panel that charges the battery which, in turn, operates a DC motor through a nozzle, thereby creating a spray.

During rainy seasons external electric port provisions are there to charge the battery. A voltmeter is fixed in the sprayer to detect the battery power.

The main components used are battery, solar panel, mini voltmeter, electric motor and a plastic container.

“The design proposed features user friendly low weight components to operate with longevity for desired product-efficiency, a very simple solar powered sprayer maintenance with less vibration as compared to the petrol sprayer for both the local and African markets,” Mr Raj added.