Her journey began in Class 7 during a school trip to the farms of Manesar. There, she saw the daily struggles of farmers, which left a lasting impact on her. “What shook me the most were the heartbreaking statistics on farmer suicides,” she recalls.
She designed the So-Apt Agro — a solar-powered farming vehicle. It replaces expensive, diesel-powered tractors with a cost-effective, sustainable alternative. “I wanted to create something that was environmentally friendly,” she shares.
The So-Apt Agro reduces diesel costs, cutting up to Rs 217 million in fuel expenses annually. It also promises to cut carbon emissions by 2,72,000 metric tonnes every year.
Unlike traditional tractors, the So-Apt Agro is a versatile, multi-tool vehicle. It comes with portable tools for drilling, sowing, irrigation, and spraying fertilisers. “The vehicle is a versatile, solar-powered farming solution,” says Suhani.
She consulted various farmers to improve the design of the So-Apt Agro.
Now, Suhani plans to integrate a GPS system and soil pH monitor into the So-Apt Agro.
This will allow farmers to track their fields, improving efficiency and crop management. “This will make the farming process more efficient,” she adds.
Building the So-Apt Agro was no easy feat. Suhani faced technical difficulties and time management issues, but she persevered. “As a young student, it was challenging, but I learnt a lot,” she adds.
In January 2024, Suhani received the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. This award recognises her exceptional contribution to innovation and social change.
She had the chance to talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I asked him about solar power, and he seemed genuinely excited about it,” she shares.
Suhani is now focused on scaling the So-Apt Agro to reach more farmers across India. She is negotiating with companies to bring the vehicle to market at a larger scale. “My ultimate goal is to make So-Apt available to farmers across India,” she says confidently.