Mukesh Gupta

An Indian innovator leading the transition to clean energy through affordable solar-powered irrigation systems.

Mukesh Gupta is the force behind Surya Jal, a startup that designs solar-powered pumps to combat water scarcity in India’s farming communities. Born in Rajasthan in 1988, Gupta witnessed firsthand the struggles of farmers reliant on diesel pumps and erratic electricity. In 2018, he launched Surya Jal to provide cost-effective solar irrigation solutions, reducing farmers’ energy costs by up to 70%.

Gupta’s pumps are designed for India’s harsh rural conditions, featuring rust-resistant materials and AI-driven water management. By 2022, the company had installed 15,000 systems across 12 states, benefiting over 500,000 farmers. His partnership with India’s Ministry of Agriculture integrated these systems into government subsidy programs, accelerating adoption.

Beyond technology, Gupta advocates for farmer education. Surya Jal’s Solar Farmer Academy trains rural communities in system maintenance and sustainable practices. His collaboration with NGOs like Greenpeace India promotes agroecology, linking solar tech with crop diversification.

Gupta’s impact extends to climate resilience. In 2021, Surya Jal launched Water Banking, a platform enabling farmers to trade excess water credits. This model won the UNEP Climate Innovation Award in 2023. Despite initial skepticism from traditional pump manufacturers, Gupta insists, “Farmers shouldn’t choose between survival and sustainability.”