Oorja Development Solutions Limited

The challenge

India’s agricultural sector faces the compounding problems of both financial constraints and a changing climate. Many farmers rely on diesel generators for irrigation and essential farm operations, a solution that’s both polluting and expensive. Unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by climate change further complicate irrigation efforts. However, the most promising alternative, solar power, remains financially out of reach for most farmers, especially smallholders struggling financially. Finding a way to make irrigation and energy needs affordable and accessible is a pressing issue for India’s agricultural future.

The innovation

Oorja is a farming-as-a-service company working at the intersection of sustainable agriculture and clean energy. We provide solar-powered irrigation, milling, and cooling services to smallholder farmers on a pay-per-use basis. Through their innovative payment model, Oorja removes the upfront cost barrier, making solar power a viable option for smallholders. This win-win solution not only enables year-round irrigation but also allows farmers to save up to 50% on energy costs, significantly boosting their farm income and overall economic sustainability. With a vast market of 30 million farmers relying on diesel pumps, Oorja’s scalable model has the potential to revolutionize India’s agricultural landscape and offers a replicable solution for similar regions.