At just 17 years old, Suhani Chauhan, a Class 12 student, is transforming the agricultural landscape with her groundbreaking invention: the So-Apt Agro vehicle. This solar-powered farming vehicle is designed to reduce production costs, boost yields, and help farmers achieve greater efficiency, potentially cutting carbon emissions by a staggering 2,72,000 metric tonnes annually.
Suhani’s journey began when she was a Class 7 student on a school trip to the farms of Manesar. Witnessing the daily struggles of farmers firsthand, and learning about the alarming statistics on farmer suicides, deeply moved her. “I saw the farmers toiling all day and I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic for them,” she recalls. “What shook me the most were the heartbreaking statistics on farmer suicides. That’s when I knew I had to do something to help.”
Fueled by compassion and a commitment to social change, Suhani dedicated herself to creating an affordable, sustainable solution for India’s farmers—especially small-scale ones. Her innovation not only empowers farmers but also aligns with environmental goals, addressing the pressing need for eco-friendly agricultural practices.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Suhani was recently awarded the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, celebrating young changemakers who are shaping the future of India. Her story stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven innovation and the impact it can have on communities across the country.