What is the Oorja Project?
Oorja is a Farming-as-a-Service company operating at the crossroads of clean energy and sustainable agriculture. It provides solar-powered irrigation, milling, and cooling services to smallholder farmers on a Pay-Per-Use (PPU) basis, especially in weak-grid areas of northern India. By pioneering this inclusive and customer-centric PPU model for productive use appliances in agriculture, Oorja eliminates the upfront technology acquisition cost barrier for last-mile farmers. These farmers typically have less than 2 acres of land and annual incomes around INR 60,000. Oorja finances, installs, operates, and maintains decentralized solar assets at or near the farm, reducing energy costs, boosting productivity and income, and cutting CO2e emissions — all while building climate resilience for farmers.
Main Benefits of Oorja’s Services
Oorja’s impact is measurable and impressive. Here are some key figures that tell the story:
- 256 solar pumps deployed across 5 districts in India.
- $107,141 saved in fuel expenses by switching from diesel to solar energy.
- 44,500+ smallholders impacted, including 6,020 direct users and their families.
- 170 last-mile jobs created, employing local farmers as operators for a steady second income.
- 87% of customers have completely stopped using diesel, embracing solar-powered irrigation.
- 48.65% reduction in chemical inputs as farmers adopt natural alternatives like vermicompost.
- 4,850 tons of CO2e emissions saved — that’s like planting 50,000 trees or taking 700 cars off the road every year.
- 27% increase in farmers’ incomes, thanks to up to 60% savings on irrigation costs and higher crop yields.
Innovative Pay-Per-Use Model
What really sets Oorja apart is its Pay-Per-Use model. This approach removes the upfront cost barrier that often keeps smallholder farmers from accessing solar technology. Instead of a hefty initial investment, farmers pay only for the energy they use, making clean energy affordable and accessible. This model not only democratizes technology but also empowers farmers to increase their productivity without financial strain. It’s a game-changer for those with limited land and income, bringing solar-powered solutions right to their doorstep.
Recognition and Awards
Oorja’s innovative approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. The project has won multiple prestigious awards, including the 2024 Seeding the Future Global Food Systems Challenge Grand Prize, recognizing its inclusive and farmer-centric climate-smart agriculture solutions. The CEO, Amit Saraogi, and COO, Audrey Fillon, have been spotlighted on global platforms like the FAO World Food Forum 2025. Audrey was also named the Asia Pacific winner of the Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2024. These accolades highlight Oorja’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and clean energy innovation.
Collaborations and Funding
Partnerships play a crucial role in scaling Oorja’s impact. For instance, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is collaborating with Oorja to research how solar irrigation pumps can maximize benefits for rural livelihoods. Additionally, a recent US$1.5 million pre-Series A funding round will help scale Oorja’s Farming-as-a-Service model. Support from the Swiss Re Foundation under the Climate Resilience theme is also enabling the expansion of digital farm advisory services, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of Oorja’s climate-smart solutions.
Project Impact and Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 1: No Poverty — by increasing income and reducing energy costs for low-income farmers.
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger — through improved agricultural productivity and food security.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality — by embedding gender-smart practices and empowering women farmers.
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — by providing reliable solar-powered irrigation and services.
- Goal 13: Climate Action — by reducing CO2e emissions and promoting climate resilience.
Driving Sustainable Change in Agriculture
Oorja’s approach is more than just technology deployment; it’s about transforming rural livelihoods sustainably. By integrating solar energy with climate-smart advisory services, Oorja helps farmers adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce dependency on diesel and chemicals, and increase their resilience to climate change. The project’s focus on last-mile accessibility ensures that even the smallest farmers benefit from clean energy innovations. This holistic model not only boosts incomes but also fosters environmental stewardship and social equity — a true win-win for communities and the planet.
