Schneider Electric introduces climate smart village in Jharkhand to empower rural communities

Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF) inaugurated a Climate Smart Village in Kocha, Khunti, in partnership with PRADAN, enhancing rural livelihoods in Jharkhand.

Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), the social impact arm of Schneider Electric, has inaugurated a Climate Smart Village in Kocha, Khunti – an aspirational district in Jharkhand. Developed in partnership with PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), a leading NGO dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged rural families, this initiative marks SEIF’s third Climate Smart Village in the state. Building on earlier successes in Gumla district, the initiative underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to ensuring food security through sustainable energy access and creating self-reliant rural communities.

Farmers in Kocha who once relied on a single rain-fed crop are now beginning to cultivate multiple crops, process their produce locally in agro-processing units, and market it through their women-led Farmer Producer Organisation – Torpa Mahila Krishi Bhagwani Saykari Swalambhi Samiti. This shift is enhancing agricultural productivity, creating local value addition, and strengthening livelihoods for the community.

Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “At Schneider Electric, we believe that access to sustainable livelihood is the first step towards empowering communities. The Climate Smart Village initiative in Kocha demonstrates how renewable energy, when combined with digital technologies and local entrepreneurship, can transform rural economies. By helping farmers grow more, process locally, and build platforms that nurture entrepreneurship, we are fostering sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities that are truly Atmanirbhar.”

Kocha village, though rich in agricultural diversity, struggled with low farm productivity and limited livelihood opportunities. Agriculture was dependent on monsoon rains, restricting farmers to a single crop cycle each year and keeping incomes low. Without three-phase power, farmers could not run machines to process their harvests. The absence of streetlights made evenings unsafe, and the lack of steady livelihoods often forced families to migrate in search of work. To change this, SEIF has installed a 40 kW solar-powered mini-grid with smart energy management. It now powers irrigation pumps, agro-processing units, households, streetlights, the Primary Health Center, and an e-vehicle. This reliable electricity supply is enabling better farming, local processing, safer communities and new livelihood opportunities.

Damini Chaudhari, Vice President – Strategy and M&A, Schneider Electric, said, “The Climate Smart Village in Kocha is a testament to how innovative, decentralised energy models can unlock long-term rural prosperity. By integrating solar power with digital technologies, we are not only addressing energy gaps but also creating a sustainable platform for entrepreneurship and community well-being. This initiative reflects Schneider Electric’s commitment to building scalable models that can inspire similar transformations across India’s villages.”

 The Climate Smart Village in Kocha demonstrates how access to renewable energy can transform rural life by enabling year-round farming, creating local enterprises, and delivering reliable power to households and community infrastructure. By integrating clean energy with digital technologies and encouraging grassroots participation, SEIF is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for self-reliant villages. With a continued focus on scaling such models, Schneider Electric is committed to advancing energy equity and inclusive growth, contributing meaningfully to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

 The inauguration was led by Dipika Pandey Singh, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand, who served as Guest of Honour, along with Kali Charan Munda, Member of Parliament, Khunti constituency; Sudeep Gudhiya, MLA, Torpa constituency; and Damini Chaudhari, Vice President – Strategy, M&A & CSR, Schneider Electric.