17-year-old Innovator Designs Solar-Powered Agro Vehicle for Sustainable Farming

At just 17, Suhani Chauhan, a Class 12 student from Delhi, has redefined sustainable farming with her innovative creation, the So-Apt Agro Vehicle. Designed with efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind, this solar-powered machine integrates multiple farming tools into a single, cost-effective solution, offering small-scale farmers an accessible alternative to traditional machinery.

The So-Apt Agro Vehicle combines functionality and affordability, priced at approximately ₹2 lakh—significantly lower than traditional tractors that often exceed ₹5 lakh. Its design incorporates solar panels as the primary power source, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. A standout feature is its multi-purpose capability, equipped with tools for seed sowing, hole drilling, irrigation, and the application of fertilizers and pesticides. To ensure continuous operation, the vehicle includes a solar-powered backup engine, enabling functionality even during cloudy weather or nighttime.

The vehicle's design is not only focused on usability but also addresses the environmental challenges posed by conventional farming equipment. By replacing fossil fuels with renewable solar energy, the So-Apt Agro Vehicle is projected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 272,000 metric tonnes annually. Its compact and adaptable structure ensures compatibility with the varied terrains and specific needs of small-scale farmers.

Suhani’s journey in innovation began at 12, during a school trip to Manesar farms, where she observed the struggles of farmers firsthand. This experience shaped her determination to create a solution. By Class 8, she was drafting designs with input from her science teacher and family, evolving her ideas through interviews with over 1,000 farmers. This user-centric approach allowed her to refine the vehicle to meet practical farming needs.

Recognizing her contribution to sustainable design, Suhani received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in January 2024 in the Innovation category. The award acknowledges her ability to merge cutting-edge technology with user-focused design to address pressing challenges in agriculture.

Currently, Suhani is collaborating with companies to mass-produce the So-Apt Agro Vehicle, aiming to make it accessible to farmers nationwide. Her innovative design not only champions environmental sustainability but also empowers the agricultural community with affordable, efficient technology.

Suhani Chauhan’s achievement underscores the transformative potential of youth-driven design and innovation. By blending functionality with sustainability, she exemplifies how thoughtful design can create meaningful, scalable solutions for global challenges.