In modern India, where urban youth are disconnected from rural life, a young scientist from South Delhi takes a remarkable step to improve the lives of Indian farmers. Her eco-friendly innovation offers a sustainable, efficient alternative to traditional farming equipment, benefiting farmers and promoting environmental conservation.

At just 17, Suhani Chauhan, a Class 12 student, is revolutionizing farming with her innovative So-Apt Agro vehicle—a solar-powered solution designed to cut production costs, boost crop yields, and enhance farm efficiency. With the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 272,000 metric tonnes, her invention offers a game-changing, eco-friendly alternative for farmers.

Suhani journey began in Class 7 during a school trip to Manesar, where she witnessed firsthand the hardships of farmers. Moved by their struggles and the alarming statistics on farmer suicides, she felt compelled to make a difference. Determined to support small-scale farmers, she pursued her vision with unwavering dedication. Her efforts have earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award, recognizing her remarkable contributions to society.

“By replacing just 1% of tractors with the So-Apt Agro vehicle, we could save approximately ₹217 million in diesel costs annually while reducing carbon emissions by 272,000 metric tonnes—a major step toward economic and environmental sustainability,” says 17-year-old innovator Suhani Chauhan.

Affordable Solar-Powered Agro Vehicle to Empower Farmers

A year later, in Class 8, inspiration struck Suhani. She quickly sketched her ideas on paper and shared them with her science teacher. “A year later, I applied for a copyright and began working on bringing the So-Apt vehicle to life,” she recalls. What started as rough sketches soon transformed into a groundbreaking innovation—the So-Apt Agro.

This versatile, solar-powered farming vehicle serves as a multi-functional tool for farmers. Unlike traditional tractors, which cost over ₹5 lakh, the So-Apt vehicle offers an affordable, sustainable alternative, making advanced agricultural technology accessible to economically weaker farmers.

With a price of around ₹2 lakh, the So-Apt Agro vehicle aims to ease the financial burden on small farmers, providing them with access to modern farming equipment without the high costs of diesel-powered alternatives. “My goal is to further reduce the price during mass production, making it even more affordable for farmers,” Suhani shares.

Building the So-Apt vehicle came with its challenges. Suhani navigated technical hurdles and time constraints, balancing her studies with hands-on prototype development. “As a young student, it was tough, but I learned a lot. I worked closely with professionals, electricians, and mechanics to bring my vision to life,” she says. Her rigorous schedule involved planning her work in the mornings and reflecting on progress each evening.

Suhani credits her school, Amity International, Pushp Vihar, and her parents for their unwavering support. Amity University, Noida, played a crucial role in refining her project, providing guidance, and facilitating field research with farmers—enhancing the vehicles design for real-world applications.

Farmer Feedback Drives Key Improvements

“The feedback I received from farmers was invaluable,” Suhani shares. “They helped me understand their real challenges and guided me in making improvements. One key suggestion was to increase the vertical spherence of the vehicle, which I am currently working on.”

Farmers also recommended enhancing the tires for better performance, a refinement Suhani is incorporating into the production model. “Im also focused on making the So-Apt vehicle smarter. As I improve its energy capacity and integrate more tools, Im carefully balancing performance and cost to ensure it remains an affordable solution for small farmers,” she adds.

Designed for efficiency and sustainability, the So-Apt Agro vehicle comes equipped with a range of features to simplify farming. It includes portable tools such as a hole-drilling tool, a seed-sowing tool, an irrigation system, and a spraying mechanism for fertilizers and pesticides. These multi-functional capabilities reduce the need for multiple machines, making farming more cost-effective and accessible.

One of the standout features of the So-Apt vehicle is its solar-powered design. “I have always been inclined towards sustainability, and I wanted to create something that was environmentally friendly,” says Suhani. The vehicle runs entirely on solar power, significantly reducing farmers reliance on costly diesel and petrol. Additionally, the solar panels on the vehicle provide an energy reserve that can be utilized for other tasks, adding even more value.

Suhani did not stop at just solar power. She also incorporated a backup engine to ensure the vehicle remains operational during the rainy season or at night, overcoming limitations posed by unfavorable weather conditions. This blend of solar energy and backup power makes the So-Apt vehicle a truly sustainable and reliable solution for Indian farmers.

Suhanis dedication to sustainability shines through in her design. “India is a country rich in solar energy, and I believe that harnessing this resource will be immensely beneficial for farmers,” she says. The vehicles solar panels are built to last for several years, and Suhani is actively working on expanding the energy reserve to further enhance the vehicles efficiency.

Innovating for Smarter, Sustainable Farming

The development of the So-Apt vehicle has been a continuous journey of improvement, driven by invaluable feedback from the farming community. “I have spoken to over 1,000 farmers, shown them the So-Apt vehicle, and listened to their feedback. Through countless conversations and research, I have gained a deeper understanding of their challenges and how my vehicle can make a difference. The joy and appreciation I see on their faces, knowing that young people like me are working to help them, keeps me motivated every day,” Suhani shares.

Looking ahead, Suhani has ambitious plans for the So-Apt vehicle. “I am working on adding a GPS system to help farmers track which parts of their field they have covered—whether it is for planting, irrigating, or applying fertilizers. This will make the farming process more efficient,” she explains. Additionally, she is integrating a pH calculator to monitor soil health, further enhancing the vehicles utility for farmers.

Suhani is also focused on making the vehicle smarter and more user-friendly. “The goal is to create a vehicle that is not only affordable but also easy to use. Farmers should be able to operate it without needing technical expertise,” she says. This emphasis on simplicity and functionality remains central to the So-Apt vehicles design.

Suhani Chauhan Vision for a Sustainable Future

Suhani unwavering dedication and tireless effort have certainly caught the attention they deserve. In January 2024, she was honoured with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award. “I remember my mother calling me to tell me I won the award. Words couldnt describe what I was feeling at that moment,” Suhani recalls. She is the sole recipient in the category of Innovation and the only honoree from Delhi to receive this highest national recognition for children.

The interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi left a lasting impression on Suhani. “I asked him about solar power, and he seemed genuinely excited about it. He shared how sustainability was important to him, and that really motivated me,” Suhani says. “It was an incredible experience to speak with him about the future of renewable energy and how young people like me can contribute to this movement.”

Her mother, Pooja Chauhan, reflects on Suhani journey with pride: “Seeing Suhani compassionate heart at such a young age, when she felt for the farmers and wanted to help them, was truly inspiring. Her determination to turn her idea into a reality—from sketching prototypes to collecting scrap for the So-Apt Agro vehicle—was unwavering. As parents, we were privileged to witness her journey and support her every step of the way. Receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award was a surreal moment, a validation of her hard work and a testament to the power of youthful innovation.”

Looking to the future, Suhani is focused on scaling the So-Apt Agro vehicle to benefit more farmers and communities. She is currently in talks with companies to transfer the technology and bring the vehicle to market. “My ultimate goal is to make So-Apt available to farmers across India,” she says. “Theres a huge potential for this technology, and I believe it can make a real difference in the lives of small farmers.”

Suhani has gained valuable insights throughout her journey with So-Apt and has an encouraging message for fellow young innovators. “Any idea is a good idea,” she says. “When I was brainstorming for So-Apt, I had so many ideas. Some of them did not work, but they all helped me refine the final product. Do not be afraid to experiment and explore.”

“There were so many moments when I felt like giving up, but it is important to keep fighting for what you believe in. You will face obstacles, but persistence is key,” she adds.

Edited by Gayathri