At just 17 years of age, Suhani Chauhan, a Class 12 student from Delhi, is creating ripples in the agricultural and environmental sectors with her ingenious creation, the So-Apt Agro vehicle. This solar-powered innovation is designed to alleviate financial burdens on small-scale farmers while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
This eco-friendly agro vehicle is poised to cut down carbon emissions by 272,000 metric tonnes annually, while also slashing operational costs. Suhani’s mission-driven approach has already earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award, making her a symbol of youthful ingenuity and dedication.
A spark of innovation
Suhani’s journey began at the age of 12 during a school trip to the farms of Manesar. Witnessing the hardships faced by farmers, coupled with disheartening statistics on farmer suicides, left a lasting impact on her. “I realised I had to do something to ease their struggles,” she says.
Her determination grew over the years, and by Class 8, Suhani had started sketching the early designs of what would eventually become the So-Apt Agro vehicle. Encouraged by her science teacher and supported by her family, she took her concept from paper to prototype, applying for copyrights and seeking expert guidance to turn her vision into reality.
The So-Apt Agro vehicle is designed as a versatile, solar-powered farming tool. Priced at approximately ₹2 lakh, it offers an affordable alternative to conventional tractors, which often cost upwards of ₹5 lakh. Suhani hopes to bring down the cost even further during mass production, making it more accessible to economically weaker farmers.
The vehicle is equipped with features such as:
- Seed-sowing tools
- Hole-drilling equipment
- Irrigation systems
- Fertiliser and pesticide spraying mechanisms
This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple machines, simplifying farming processes for small-scale farmers. Additionally, the solar panels power a backup engine, ensuring uninterrupted use during cloudy days or at night.
Building the So-Apt vehicle was far from easy. Suhani faced numerous challenges, including technical hurdles and the need to balance her academic responsibilities. “It was difficult, but I learned so much,” she recalls. She worked tirelessly, consulting mechanics, electricians, and agricultural experts to refine her prototype.
Support from her school, Amity International, Pushp Vihar, and research assistance from Amity University, Noida, played a crucial role in her success. Field research with over 1,000 farmers provided invaluable insights that shaped the vehicle’s final design.
Farmers suggested enhancements such as improving tyre durability and increasing vertical clearance, which Suhani is currently incorporating into her design. She is also adding smart features like GPS systems to track field activities and a pH calculator for monitoring soil health.
Suhani’s dedication was recognised at the national level when she was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in January 2024. She is the sole recipient in the Innovation category and the only honouree from Delhi.
Her interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a defining moment. “We discussed the importance of sustainability and solar power. His encouragement motivated me to push forward with my work,” she says.
Her mother, Pooja Chauhan, shares her pride: “Suhani’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Watching her grow from a compassionate child to a determined innovator has been a privilege.”
Suhani is currently in talks with companies to scale up production and make the So-Apt vehicle available to farmers nationwide. She envisions a future where solar-powered farming tools are commonplace, significantly reducing reliance on diesel and fostering environmental sustainability.
She also encourages young innovators to remain persistent. “Any idea, no matter how small, has potential,” she says. “It’s important to experiment, refine, and stay committed to your vision.”
Suhani’s story is a shining example of how youthful passion, combined with perseverance, can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Her So-Apt Agro vehicle stands as a beacon of hope for India’s farmers and the environment, demonstrating the power of sustainable technology in transforming lives.
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