Powering systemic sustainable change with smart village solutions
In Sehal Bara Soli, a small village in Jharkhand, India, agriculture is the primary source of livelihood. However, the villagers face significant challenges due to their dependence on monsoon rains and erratic power supply. Despite having a nearby reservoir, the lack of a canal irrigation system limits their ability to grow more than one crop per year. This situation has led to low incomes and increased rural-urban migration.
PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), a non-governmental organisation, has been working in Sehal since 2014 under its Livelihood Improvement Programme. They have formed Self-Help Groups, facilitated access to government schemes, and introduced diesel pumps for irrigation. However, the high cost of diesel and low utilisation rates made this solution both economically and environmentally unsustainable.
In 2019, PRADAN partnered with ARE Member Schneider Electric to launch Project ASTHA, aiming to develop rural areas with solar energy solutions. This initiative brought significant changes to Sehal. Solar-powered pumps replaced diesel pumps, providing a reliable and cost-effective irrigation solution. This allowed farmers to grow multiple crops annually, increasing their income and reducing migration.
The project also included the installation of solar microgrids, ensuring a stable power supply for the village. This not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced living conditions, health, education, and socio-economic development. Women benefited from these changes, gaining more opportunities for empowerment and participation in community activities.
Impact Highlights:
- Reduced Migration Rates: Migration rates in participating villages have plummeted from 54 to 17%, showcasing a profound socio-economic shift.
- Increased Agricultural Productivity and Income: The introduction of high-capacity solar pumps has enabled farmers to grow second and third crop cycles, including lucrative cash crops, generating additional annual incomes of USD 710 to USD 830 per family. These advancements ensure food security while significantly reducing reliance on expensive diesel pumps and erratic monsoon rains.
- Decarbonising Agriculture: Advanced technologies have enhanced both productivity and environmental sustainability. Consistent, higher-quality outputs contribute to economic stability and reduce carbon emissions, reflecting Schneider Electric’s commitment to clean energy solutions.
- Women Empowerment: The initiative has driven a paradigm shift for women, empowering them through the Ghagara Women Farmer Producer Company. Women now play pivotal roles in local economies, engaging in agro-processing activities such as mustard oil production, rice milling, and crafting Sal leaf plates. These efforts not only generate income but also foster agency and leadership, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
- Improved Educational Opportunities: Reliable electricity has transformed educational opportunities, allowing children uninterrupted study time and aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education). This ensures that rural youth have a brighter future with access to learning resources.
Schneider Electric’s Climate Smart Village initiative exemplifies sustainable development, showcasing how integrated, community-focused approaches can drive systemic change and create scalable, replicable models for rural transformation globally. Project ASTHA proves that sustainable solutions, powered by renewable energy, can revitalise rural communities and offer a model for a brighter future.