Mangaluru: Farmer Ganapathi Bhat, 50, having to farm areca nut in coastal Mangaluru, has to constantly climb 60-70-foot tall trees in order to harvest.

With cheap labour hard to find and his age restricting him to climb, Bhat invented a device consisting of a small motor, seat and a set of wheels, which has since enabled him to climb tall trees with ease.

Having sold over 300 scooters, each costing ₹62,000, Bhat told Reuters: “Villagers asked me if I was mad. They had doubts about my invention...whether it would work in the rainy season because the trees would be slippery.”

Bhat and his engineer partner had a working prototype after spending close to ₹40 lakh towards its research and development since 2014.

“I feel proud that I did something for the people through this invention," Bhat said. "I feel that my life is complete now", he added.

- Reuters