Urdhvam Environmental Technologies Private Limited (UETPL), situated in Pune, has introduced a revolutionary solution to recharge dried or low-yielding borewells. This pioneering technology, known as ‘BoreCharger,’ has the potential to significantly contribute to addressing water scarcity in India, particularly in rural areas where access to water poses a persistent challenge.
The Krishi Mangal Scale-up Accelerator Program, a collaborative effort between Cisco and Social Alpha, has played a crucial role in providing support to agritech startups like Urdhvam. Established in 2017, Urdhvam focuses on developing disruptive and innovative products using robotics and mobile technologies to promote groundwater sustainability. The company operates in multiple states across India, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.
In rural and urban India, the availability of water has been a longstanding issue, with approximately 80% of the population relying on groundwater for various purposes. The excessive drilling of borewells, with over 20 lakh new borewells being drilled each year, has led to the depletion of groundwater and drying up of borewells. This has resulted in significant challenges such as drinking water scarcity, low crop yields, and unviable agricultural businesses, impacting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
To address this pressing issue, Urdhvam has developed the ‘BoreCharger’ technology, which induces 4 to 20 times more recharge of rainwater in dried or low-yielding borewells. This not only enhances the quality and quantity of water but also provides a sustainable solution to the problem of water shortage. The unique patented technology involves conducting a technical investigation of the borewell and employing a robotic arm tool to artificially inject water from the topmost aquifer into the borewell, thereby recharging deeper aquifers that naturally take years to replenish.
The success of the ‘BoreCharger’ technology is evident in the testimonial of Nabi Sab, a farmer from Karnataka, who reported a substantial increase in water level and duration of water supply after implementing the technology. This resulted in a significant improvement in crop production and overall agricultural income. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the ‘BoreCharger’ technology set it apart from traditional methods of borewell recharge, making it a preferred solution for farmers.
The impact and potential of Urdhvam’s ‘BoreCharger’ technology have been recognized and supported by the Krishi Mangal program, as well as Cisco’s commitment to leveraging technology for social good. With over 2300 field implementations across 12 states in India, Urdhvam is working towards automating the technology for widespread scalability through franchising. The company aims to create awareness among farmers and enable them to benefit from improved access to water, ultimately contributing to sustainable groundwater management.
As Urdhvam continues to expand its operations and outreach, it aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean water and sanitation, economic growth, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and climate action. The ‘BoreCharger’ technology not only addresses immediate challenges but also contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive future for smallholder farmers in India.
In conclusion, the innovation and impact of the ‘BoreCharger’ technology exemplify how technology-driven solutions can effectively address critical challenges such as water scarcity. Urdhvam’s commitment to revolutionising farming practices and promoting climate-resilient agriculture is a testament to the potential of startups in driving positive change in society.
For more information, please contact the Mediawire team at [email protected].