Himachal mechanic’s sound cracker machine brings cheers to farmers struggling to ward off wild animals

“At that time, my wife was struggling to protect our maize crop from monkeys and wild boars. She couldn’t beat the drums continuously. That video stayed in my mind, and I started working on my own design using research and trial,” he said.

The device is made of a plastic pipe and is activated by mixing a small amount of calcium carbide with a few drops of water and igniting the resulting gas with a kitchen lighter, said Dhiman.

The tool uses a specific formula where a 13-inch cylinder operates with a pressure generation of 2 inches per second. The total length of the device is 22 inches, and it is made using a 75mm pipe with a 110x75mm reducer. “A gas lighter is inserted through a hole to ignite the gas formed by mixing calcium carbide and water,” Dhiman explained, while displaying how to operate the device to a customer at Kaithlighat in Shimla.

Dhiman then threw a small piece of calcium carbide into the pipe hole, added a few drops of water, and after waiting for at least 30 seconds, pressed the push button of the lighter. The bang was so loud that the sensors of nearby parked cars started beeping.

Today, Dhiman’s sound cracker is sought after not just by farmers from Shimla, Solan, and Hamirpur but also by those from neighbouring states such as Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Jammu, such as Udhampur and Lakhanpur.

Farmers are increasingly turning to this improvised tool due to the rising cost of sophisticated airguns and licensed weapons. It is also safer compared to traditional iron sound cannons.

“Iron sound cannons, which operate using sulphur and potash, are expensive, hazardous, and pollute the environment. They also corrode over time. On the other hand, plastic-based devices are more durable and safer,” he added.

Dhiman said he started getting plenty of orders from outside the state after a customer uploaded his improvised device on social media.

Suresh Rakta of Jubbal, who purchased two sound crackers, explained the hardship of farmers in keeping a licensed weapon. “Crop damage from animals is a serious problem in the state. Almost every farmer is anxious about protecting their produce. Many small farmers cannot afford expensive equipment or licensed weapons. Even those whose families traditionally owned rifles find it difficult to maintain them today. Before every election — be it parliamentary, assembly, or panchayat — they are required to deposit their rifles with the police and pay an annual maintenance fee to the government,” Rakhta said.

The demand for such tools increases when the maize is ready to harvest. Besides monkeys, the maize crop is also vulnerable to the birds, especially parrots.

Though similar tools are available online for between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,500, Dhiman’s sound cracker comes at Rs 700, making it accessible to small and marginal farmers. Calcium carbide, a key ingredient in the device, is easily available in agricultural supply shops, he said.

With animal attacks increasing and financial constraints worsening, Dhiman’s innovation is proving to be a practical and affordable solution for crop protection in rural India.