Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), the social responsibility division of Schneider Electric, has unveiled a new Climate Smart Village in Kocha, located in Khunti district of Jharkhand, an area identified as an aspirational region. This project was developed in collaboration with PRADAN, a renowned NGO focused on uplifting disadvantaged rural families. This marks the foundation’s third such village initiative in Jharkhand, following earlier projects in Gumla district. The effort highlights Schneider Electric’s dedication to improving food security through sustainable energy and fostering independent rural communities.
The launch ceremony featured Dipika Pandey Singh, Jharkhand’s Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, as Guest of Honour, along with other dignitaries including Kali Charan Munda, MP from Khunti, Sudeep Gudhiya, MLA of Torpa, and Damini Chaudhari, Vice President of Strategy, M&A & CSR at Schneider Electric.
Previously dependent on a single rain-fed crop, farmers in Kocha are now diversifying into multiple crops, processing their harvest locally, and marketing their goods through the women-led Farmer Producer Organization, Torpa Mahila Krishi Bhagwani Saykari Swalambhi Samiti. This transformation is raising productivity, adding value at the local level, and strengthening the economic base of the village.
Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO of Schneider Electric India, remarked, “Sustainable livelihood opportunities are vital for community growth. Our Climate Smart Village project in Kocha illustrates how renewable energy combined with technology and entrepreneurship can revitalize rural economies. By supporting farmers to expand production, process locally, and create business platforms, we aim to build self-sufficient and resilient communities.”
Before the project, Kocha struggled with low farm yields and limited job options due to reliance on monsoon rains and lack of stable power. Without three-phase electricity, machinery for processing was unavailable, and lack of street lighting created safety concerns, prompting migration for work. To address these challenges, SEIF installed a 40 kW solar mini-grid featuring smart energy management that now supplies power for irrigation, agro-processing, homes, streetlights, a Primary Health Center, and an electric vehicle. This dependable energy source has improved farming methods, boosted local business, enhanced safety, and created new income streams.
Damini Chaudhari emphasized, “The Kocha Climate Smart Village shows how decentralized solar energy systems, combined with digital tools, can unlock sustainable growth in rural areas. We aim to build models that not only fill energy gaps but also encourage entrepreneurship and community welfare across India.”
The Kocha initiative is a clear example of how renewable energy access can revolutionize rural living by supporting continuous farming, local business growth, and reliable power for community services. By blending clean energy, technology, and active community involvement, SEIF is addressing both present needs and paving the way for self-reliant villages. Schneider Electric remains focused on scaling these efforts to promote energy access and inclusive development, supporting India’s vision of a developed nation.
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