Suhani Chauhan, a student from Amity International School Pushp Vihar in New Delhi, has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her innovative ‘So-Apt’ solar-operated Agri-Vehicle for small farmers. Suhani Chauhan, the sole recipient from Delhi to receive this highest National Award for children. The award was presented by India's President Droupadi Murmu.
Youngsters between the ages of five and eighteen get prizes for their exceptional performance in seven categories: sports, social service, science and technology, environment, bravery and art and culture. These awards are presented to youngsters who deserve to be recognised nationally.
To help small farmers, So-Apt is a multipurpose, carbon-free agricultural vehicle that runs on solar energy. The vehicle has a high function and utility level since it may be used for hole digging, irrigation, spraying, seeding and other agricultural tasks.
Speaking about her path-breaking innovation, Suhani, an Indian farmer, has developed a revolutionary technology that could save Rs 1,800 Crores of diesel annually if only 1per cent of tractors were to use her technology. This would result in a reduction of 272,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, worth approximately 10 million US Dollars (84 crores) in carbon credits. Farmers can also use the solar panels to power other appliances or sell surpluses.
“The author is honoured and humbled to receive a prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu ji, a dream come true for them. They have been working on a low-cost, eco-friendly and multi-tool agri-vehicle since they visited a farm in standard 8”, Suhani Chauhan, said.