Class 12 Innovator Builds Solar-Powered Vehicle to Revolutionize Farming Practices

Suhani Chauhan, a 17-year-old Class 12 student, has designed the So-Apt Agro vehicle, a solar-powered farming solution aimed at empowering small-scale farmers with an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional equipment. Her innovation is expected to save Rs 217 million in diesel costs annually while reducing carbon emissions by 2,72,000 metric tonnes, making a significant contribution to both economic and environmental sustainability.

The idea for the So-Apt vehicle germinated during a school trip to Manesar when Suhani, then in Class 7, witnessed farmers’ daily struggles. Motivated by the plight of the agricultural community, she embarked on her mission to create a sustainable solution. By Class 8, Suhani had sketched the vehicle’s initial designs and, with support from her school, Amity International, and Amity University, refined her project into a working prototype.

The So-Apt Agro vehicle stands out with its solar-powered design and multi-functional features, including tools for drilling, seed-sowing, irrigation, and pesticide spraying. Priced at approximately Rs 2 lakh, it offers an affordable alternative to traditional tractors that cost upwards of Rs 5 lakh. Suhani is working on further reducing the vehicle’s cost during mass production.

Her project involved extensive field research and feedback from over 1,000 farmers, enabling her to enhance the vehicle’s design with features like improved tires, energy reserves, and a backup engine for use in unfavorable conditions. Future upgrades include GPS tracking for efficient field coverage and a pH calculator to monitor soil health.

Suhani’s remarkable achievement earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award in 2024. She is now focused on scaling the So-Apt Agro vehicle to reach farmers across India. “The joy and appreciation from farmers keep me motivated,” she shares. Her journey reflects the power of youthful innovation, persistence, and a commitment to social change.