How these Solar Didis played a key role in promoting a circular economy in agriculture

A single decision to take up solar power irrigation in 2023 has helped Devki Devi and Sunita Devi defy the odds to transform their lives. Today, they are hailed as “Solar Didis” in their villages. These women entrepreneurs use solar-powered irrigation pumps to help small and marginal farmers water their fields.

Devki Devi, a resident of Ratanpura village, Bochcha tehsil of Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, was an ordinary housewife. Today, she provides solar-powered irrigation solutions to scores of farmers, on roughly 35 acres of land. Sunita Devi of Bhagwanpur Dadhya in Karanpur South Panchayat in the same tehsil, who was also earlier confined to the home, tending to her family and the cattle, also offers irrigation solutions to farmers, on 32 acres.

“I was determined to install this solar-powered irrigation pump. We started out by supplying water to five farmers; today, over 65 farmers are connected with us. We began by earning ₹500 per day and today I earn ₹1.5 lakh per month. In fact, when I was severely ill, these farmers paid me money in advance, which helped cover my hospitalisation charges,” says Devki Devi.

Sunita Devi, too, has a heartwarming story. “I was able to generate income and educate my daughter. I have big dreams for her. I would like her to follow in my footsteps and become financially independent. Today, we are lauded for our achievements in our villages.”

From fossil fuels to renewable energy

A transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a gradual process, particularly in developing nations and emerging economies. Entrepreneurial endeavours such as the Solar Didi could be the intervention a country such as India needs. It  addresses critical issues of climate change, rural income stagnation, enhanced farm income and productivity, and, perhaps, one of the most important issues, empowering women in rural India, believe experts.

These women are associated with Jeevika Self-Help Group, a programme in Bihar that helps rural women gain access to financial services and improve livelihoods. As many as 106 women are now associated with the Solar Didi programme.

Mukesh Chandra, Representative, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), says, “Bihar is dependent on diesel-based irrigation, which is expensive and environmentally hazardous. Solar didis, leveraging solar-powered pumps, offer more cost-effective irrigation solutions. This also helps improve our crop yield and quality.”

Both Devki and Sunita got married in their teens and have no formal education. They had a hard time convincing their families about entering the solar power business. “I would tell all women to believe in their dreams and work on fulfilling them. We want more women to become part of this movement. Our families are proud that we are able to generate incomes. After all, it is our story,” said Devki Devi.

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