A team of enterprising students from Government Polytechnic College in Hamirpur has unveiled a cutting-edge solution to one of the region’s persistent agricultural woes: crop damage by wild animals.

Dubbed the Mass Surveillance Crop System, the IoT-based device emits loud, gunshot-like sounds when it detects movement near fields, effectively scaring away monkeys, wild boars, and other marauding wildlife. The low-cost, automated system promises to be a game-changer for farmers in Himachal Pradesh, reducing crop losses without requiring constant human monitoring.

Developed by Information Technology students under the guidance of department head Pankaj Thakur and faculty mentors, the device is designed for simplicity and efficiency. Unlike CCTV cameras, it does not record continuously, activating only when wildlife approaches, thereby conserving energy and minimizing costs.

“Farmers here face severe losses every year due to wildlife,” Thakur said. “This device offers an easy-to-install, reliable solution that can protect crops and support the local farming community.”

Student developers Anjali and Sachin Chaudhary emphasized the affordability and ease of use of their innovation. “It’s automated, low-cost, and tailored for small-scale farmers,” they noted, highlighting its potential to inspire similar technology-driven initiatives aimed at rural challenges.

The project reflects a growing trend in India: student-led, tech-driven solutions addressing real-world problems. With its practical design and immediate impact, the Mass Surveillance Crop System could mark a turning point in safeguarding Himachal’s agricultural landscape.