Sanatomba: Man behind thresher with a difference
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2025: Forty-four year old Ahongsangbam Sanatomba Khuman from Thoubal Ningombam Utha Leirak has built a mini paddy and mustard thresher from oil drums.

Born to Late Ahongsangbam Ibungo, Sanatomba is known for building different machines and tools such as chaff cutter, smokeless stove (running on used/ waste oil) and rice hull/husk grinder.

With no formal training, the Class X educated craftsman is making the machines available to people at affordable prices.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Sanatomba said that he started this innovative work in 2020.During the harvest season, heavy vehicles are unable to access the fields after heavy rains.

He got the idea to build the mini threshing machine after seeing the struggle of farmers in this regard.

The mini threshing machine can be towed with a two-wheeler.

In paddyfields with some amount of water, the machine can be hauled by two/three persons and in flooded fields, two boats can carry Sanatomba's paddy thresher.

The mini threshing machine, which is functionally not different from a normal sized one, can be operated for one and a half hours with a litre of petrol.

The components of the thresher are all self-built.

They come with a one-year warranty too, said Sanatomba.

Saying that it took three months to build the first mini threshing machine, he added that the job can now be done in two months.

Despite his innovation and hard work, Sanatomba has not received any help from the Government.

As his own plot of land is quite small, he works at his wife's paternal home at Thoubal Ningombam near Mini Stadium Ground.

Saying that people from different parts of the State visit him to check out the threshing machine, he expressed happiness that his creation has been warmly received.

The rice husk grinder is also popular among the public, he said.

If relevant State authority provides necessary assistance to similarly skilled persons in Manipur, it will help in bringing about technological progress in the State.

It is worth noting that many skilled persons remain incapable of showcasing their talent due to poor financial conditions.

Comment