Driving Evidence for Better Decisions

We turn field insights into evidence that shapes better policy, investment, and programme decisions

Applied Research for Sustainable Agriculture and Clean Energy

Oorja’s Research & Evidence Unit works at the intersection of agriculture, solar energy, and rural livelihoods. Alongside implementation, we have built a dedicated research and evidence function focused on generating practical insights that inform policy, investment, and programme design across the clean energy and agriculture ecosystem.

Our research combines field-embedded learning, rigorous analysis, and long-term datasets from real operating environments.

Our Presence

Our research benefits from long-term engagement with farming communities and access to real-time operational datasets across multiple regions. 

Core Competencies

Scope of Research

Our research focuses on agriculture and solar energy, with a strong emphasis on real-world implementation and decision-oriented insights. We work in rural regions of India and South Asia, engaging with smallholder farmers in low grid-connectivity areas to generate practical, scalable solutions grounded in on-ground realities.

Collaborative Applied Research

Co-designed studies examining service delivery effectiveness, business model viability, and pathways to scale for organisations. Research is developed in partnership with universities and think tanks to ensure academic rigour and generate sector-relevant evidence.

Market Research

Structured research to understand farmer needs, technology adoption, willingness to pay, and the viability of clean energy solutions across existing and new regions.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

Impact assessments, advisory on data systems and measurement frameworks, and applied research focused on gender, agriculture, and climate resilience.

Key Research Themes

Agricultural Productivity & Livelihoods

Understanding how reliable irrigation and solar energy influence productivity, cost efficiency, and income stability.

Inclusive and equitable systems​

Research on gender and social inclusion to understand who benefits and how.​

Decentralised solar energy access & service models​

Studies on adoption, affordability, and long-term sustainability of solar irrigation and productive-use systems.

Climate resilience & environmental outcomes

Evidence on diesel displacement, resource efficiency, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Systems learning & business model innovation

Research that supports scalable and financially viable clean energy solutions.

Experience & Testimonials

Oorja has partnered with leading research institutions, international organisations, and sector platforms to generate field-based evidence across India.

Productive Use of Surplus Solar Energy​

Research on how surplus solar energy can support additional productive uses such as milling and improve farmer income.

Research Collaboration

Through gender-inclusive design and deep customer insights, Oorja demonstrates how decentralised solar solutions can empower women farmers, strengthen livelihoods, and enable scalable, climate-resilient agriculture.

Testimonials

Interested in collaborating on research?

We work with research institutions, foundations, multilateral organisations, and private sector partners to generate applied research that strengthens sustainable agriculture and clean energy systems.