Oorja is dedicated to creating a transformative and sustainable impact in the lives of low-income farmers across India. Our mission extends beyond providing affordable solar-powered solutions; we aim to foster economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. Through our services, we contribute to multiple dimensions of community’s well-being, aligning closely with five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
Access to reliable, clean energy is the cornerstone of economic progress and poverty alleviation. At Oorja, we believe that energy should be affordable, sustainable, and accessible to everyone.
Our solar irrigation systems provide farmers with a steady supply of water, helping them cultivate crops year-round.
By switching from diesel to solar power, our farmers save significant fuel costs. Since our inception, farmers have collectively saved over USD 90,247 in fuel expenses.
With an installed solar PV capacity of 1.1 mWp, we have generated approximately 3,026 MWh of clean electricity, preventing 4,232 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions from entering the atmosphere. Our solutions help farmers reduce their diesel consumption by 96%, significantly lowering their carbon footprint.
Our services have enabled farmers to diversify their crops beyond staples to high-value crops like vegetables, fruits, and herbs. With year-round access to affordable irrigation, 47% of our users expanded to cultivating a third season in 2022. Impact assessments from 2020 to 2022 show up to a 30% increase in crop yields and a 26% rise in income for our users compared to those relying on diesel-powered systems.
We educate farmers on modern agricultural techniques, the use of locally-made inputs, and sustainable farming practices, helping them enhance their productivity and resilience against climate challenges.
Our services help farmers transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.
By displacing diesel with solar energy, we support farmers in cutting down their fossil fuel consumption. Currently, 87% of our customers no longer use diesel pumps, contributing to a 96% reduction in diesel use among our users.
We have trained 2,300 farmers from the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) on sustainable agricultural practices. This includes the preparation and use of organic pesticides, insecticides, and vermicompost, resulting in a 49% reduction in chemical input use.
We have created 146 full-time green jobs in rural areas, employing local community members to operate and maintain our solar equipment. These roles involve sales, payment collection, equipment maintenance, and customer service.
We provide comprehensive training to our operators and employees, equipping them with the skills to manage our solar assets efficiently and handle customer interactions effectively. This not only enhances their employability but also stimulates local economic growth and reduces rural-urban migration by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities in their home communities.
Women participate as customers, operators, employees, and trainees in our value chain. Through our Krishi Sakhi program, we have trained over 65 rural women in sustainable agriculture and agri-business management, empowering them to take on leadership roles within their communities. We have also trained more than 200 women farmers on different scientific and sustainable practices aimed towards climate smart agriculture
We provide women with the skills and knowledge needed to increase their livelihood opportunities. This includes technical training that prepares them for employment as operators of our solar assets. As a result, 17% of our irrigation customers are now women farmers, and they play a crucial role in decision-making processes within their families and communities.
