At the tender age of 17, Suhani Chauhan, a Class 12 student is making waves with a design that empower farmers by reducing production costs and boosting crop yields, helping them achieve greater efficiency and profitability in their farming practices. Her So-Apt Agro vehicle is an innovative, solar-powered farming vehicle that promises to be a boon for farmers with potential to cut down carbon emissions by 2,72,000 metric tonnes.
Suhani was a Class 7 student when a school field trip to the farms of Manesar ignited a spark within Suhani. “I saw the farmers toiling all day and I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic for them. What shook me the most, though, were the heartbreaking statistics on farmer suicides. That’s when I knew I had to do something to help,” she says.
The sight of the struggles sparked a determination within her to find solutions for the struggling agricultural community, particularly for small-scale farmers. Fuelled by a deep-seated passion for social change, she embarked on a journey that ultimately led to her receiving the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award, a recognition bestowed upon young individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society.
“Swapping just 1% of tractors with the So-Apt Agro vehicle, we could save an estimated Rs 217 million in diesel costs every year, while simultaneously cutting down carbon emissions by 2,72,000 metric tonnes annually, which is a significant step towards both economic and environmental sustainability,” the 17-year-old innovator tells The Better India.
From paper to reality
A year later, when Suhani was in Class 8, an idea struck her. She sketched out a few designs on a piece of paper. “I showed my science teacher my ideas, and a year later, I applied for a copyright and started working on creating the So-Apt vehicle,” she recalls. Her sketches soon manifested into reality giving shape to the So-Apt Agro.
The vehicle is a versatile, solar-powered farming solution that serves as a multi-functional tool for farmers. Unlike traditional tractors, which can cost upwards of Rs 5 lakh, the So-Apt vehicle is designed to be a cost-effective alternative for economically weaker farmers.
With a price point of around Rs 2 lakh, it aims to reduce the financial burden on small farmers, allowing them to access modern farming equipment without the hefty costs associated with diesel-powered vehicles. “My goal is to bring down the price from Rs 2 lakh during mass production, making the So-Apt Agro vehicle even more affordable for farmers,” Suhani says.
Building the So-Apt vehicle was no easy task. Suhani faced several obstacles along the way, ranging from technical difficulties to managing time. “As a young student, it was challenging, but I learned a lot. I worked hands-on in building the prototype and consulted with professionals, electricians, and mechanics to bring my vision to life,” she says. The process was incredibly time-consuming, with Suhani dedicating her mornings to planning her work and her evenings to check in with herself to see how much progress she had made.
Suhani’s school, Amity International, Pushp Vihar, and her parents were instrumental in supporting her endeavours. Amity University, Noida, provided crucial guidance, helping her refine the project and conduct field research with farmers, which significantly improved the vehicle’s design.
Enhancing design and performance of So-Apt
“The feedback I received from farmers was invaluable,” Suhani shares. “They helped me understand the real challenges they face and guided me in making adjustments. For example, one of the main feedback was to increase the vertical spherence of the vehicle, which I’m currently working on improving.”
“Farmers also suggested improving the tires, which I’m refining for production. I’m also working on making the So-Apt vehicle smarter. As I enhance the vehicle’s energy capacity and add more tools, I’m carefully balancing performance and cost to ensure it remains an economically viable solution for small farmers,” she adds.
The So-Apt Agro vehicle is equipped with a range of features designed to make farming easier and more sustainable. It includes portable tools, such as a hole-drilling tool, a seed-sowing tool, an irrigation tool, and spraying for fertilisers and pesticides. These features allow farmers to use the vehicle as a multi-purpose tool, reducing the need for multiple separate machines.
One of the standout aspects of the So-Apt vehicle is its solar-powered design. “I’ve always been inclined towards sustainability, and I wanted to create something that was environmentally friendly,” says Suhani. The vehicle operates entirely on solar power, which reduces the reliance on expensive diesel and petrol, a major cost burden for farmers. In addition, the solar panels on the vehicle provide an energy reserve that can be used for other purposes, further enhancing its value.
But Suhani didn’t stop there. She included a backup engine that can be used during the rainy season or at night, ensuring that the vehicle remains functional even during unfavourable conditions. This combination of solar power and backup energy makes the So-Apt vehicle a truly sustainable solution for farmers in India.
How So-Apt is set to transform agriculture
Suhani’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her design. “India is a country rich in solar energy, and I believe that harnessing this resource will be extremely beneficial for farmers,” she says. The vehicle’s solar panels are designed to last for several years, and Suhani is working on increasing the energy reserve to make the vehicle even more efficient.
The development of So-Apt has been a journey of constant iteration, fueled by feedback from the farming community. “I’ve spoken to over 1,000 farmers, shown them the So-Apt vehicle, and listened to their feedback. Through countless conversations and research, I’ve 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 explains.
When asked about her future plans for So-Apt, Suhani says, “I’m working on adding a GPS system to help farmers track which parts of their field they have covered whether it’s for planting, irrigating, or applying fertilisers. This will make the farming process more efficient.” She’s also incorporating a pH calculator to monitor soil health, further enhancing the vehicle’s functionality and making it an even more valuable tool for farmers.
Suhani is also focusing on making the vehicle smarter and easier to use for farmers. “The goal is to create a vehicle that’s not only affordable but also user-friendly. Farmers should be able to operate it without needing technical expertise,” she says. This focus on simplicity and functionality is at the heart of the So-Apt vehicle’s design.
Winning the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
Suhani’s unwavering dedication and tireless effort have certainly not escaped attention. In January 2024, she was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award. “I remember my mother calling me and telling me I won the award. Words couldn’t describe what I was feeling at that moment,” Suhani recalls. Suhani is the sole recipient in the category of Innovation and the only honoree from Delhi to receive this highest National Award for children.
The interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was particularly memorable for 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.”
“Seeing Suhani’s compassionate heart at such a tender 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,” shares Pooja Chauhan, her mother.
Looking ahead, Suhani is focused on scaling the So-Apt Agro vehicle to reach 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. “There’s a huge potential for this technology, and I believe it can make a real difference in the lives of small farmers.”
Suhani has learned a great deal through her journey with So-Apt, and she has a message for other young innovators who are just starting out. “Any idea is a good idea,” she says. “When I was brainstorming for So-Apt, I had so many ideas. Some of them didn’t work, but they all helped me refine the final product. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore.”
“There were so many moments when I felt like giving up, but it’s important to keep fighting for what you believe in. You will face obstacles, but persistence is key,” she adds.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All photos courtesy Suhani Chauhan.
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