Ecozen Solutions, an AgriTech company founded in 2010 by alumni from IIT Kharagpur, is dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the agriculture and renewable energy sectors. By addressing critical challenges in the agricultural supply chain, Ecozen delivers energy-efficient products that enhance both sustainability and productivity.
The company’s flagship products, Ecofrost and Ecotron, exemplify this commitment. Ecofrost is a solar-powered, portable cold storage unit, which helps farmers improve crop quality and reduce post-harvest losses. Meanwhile, Ecotron is a smart irrigation controller that optimizes resource usage. By harnessing clean energy, particularly solar power, Ecozen reduces reliance on traditional energy sources. Furthermore, it boosts the operational efficiency of farming practices.
Ecozen has garnered recognition for its significant contributions to promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. Its solutions prioritize scalability, making them accessible to both small-scale farmers and large agribusinesses. This focus on innovation and green technology has established Ecozen as a reputable name in India and internationally, with its products adopted in multiple countries.
Driven by a mission to empower farmers and build a sustainable future, Ecozen Solutions stands at the forefront of integrating technology, agriculture, and clean energy to generate a positive environmental and social impact.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World, Shrirang Deshpande, National Sales Head for Ecofrost at Ecozen Solutions, highlights the company’s innovative product launches. He emphasizes the accessibility and affordability of these solutions for rural consumers, shares insights into their competitiveness, and underscores the energy portability these products offer. Below are the key takeaways from his enlightening discussion.
Q: Can you provide details about the new products Ecozen introduced at the Renewable Energy India Expo, and what key innovations or features set these products apart from existing solutions in the market?
A: We are excited to launch the EcoFridge, our solar deep freezer capable of providing up to 72 hours of backup power using solar energy. This solution addresses the pressing electricity shortages in rural areas, where reliable access to power is often lacking. Additionally, we have introduced the solar atta chakki, designed specifically for rural communities.
Electricity shortages pose significant challenges in these regions. Our solar atta chakki operates seamlessly alongside the EcoFridge. With our innovative motor controls featuring magnetless motors, we are entering a new segment in energy-efficient technology. This advancement reduces energy consumption, enhances unit efficiency, and delivers a substantial return on investment (RoI).
In many cases, our clients have experienced a payback period of just ten months on their investment, significantly reducing electricity costs. These two products together offer a compelling solution to the energy crisis faced by rural consumers.
We are also expanding our solar cold room range from 5-10 metric tons to 100-5,000 metric tons. Many cold storage projects in India have struggled due to electricity shortages and high operational expenses. Our technology enables the conversion of existing cold storage facilities into solar-powered units, significantly lowering operational costs and enhancing project viability. This transformation allows defunct cold storages to become fully functional solar-powered solutions.
In addition to these innovations, we are also venturing into electric vehicles. We have developed a new controller that powers bicycles and includes customizable add-on features based on user needs. These products, such as the EcoFridge and solar chakki, targeted at rural customers, can help foster sustainable development and empower communities.
Together, these innovations reflect our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural areas and driving sustainable growth through technology.
Q: How accessible and affordable are these products for rural customers? Additionally, what measures does Ecozen take to meet the economic constraints of this market segment?
A: Absolutely. We prioritize affordability in our product offerings. This consideration encompasses both the cost of our solutions and our customers’ return on investment (RoI).
To enhance affordability for rural customers, we are developing financing solutions. Our goal is to ensure that the cost of installments remains lower than the benefits derived from our products. This approach facilitates scalability and makes our solutions more accessible.
We have already implemented financing solutions in certain areas, where they are performing exceptionally well. Our focus on the B2C segment allows us to explore various financing options, ensuring that customers can easily adopt and benefit from our innovative products.
Q: In what ways do you believe your products are competitive compared to other manufacturers in India, and what strategies do you employ to differentiate yourself in the market?
A: We are setting a new benchmark as pioneers in the industry, founded by a team of three IIT graduates at IIT Kharagpur. Our core strengths lie in innovation and technology, which drive our commitment to developing efficient solutions for component performance.
In the realm of solar cold rooms, several competitors are working on similar solutions. However, we focus on achieving unparalleled efficiency. We craft each component of our designs meticulously to optimize energy use, maximizing solar energy harnessing. This dedication to efficiency distinguishes us in the market and reinforces our leadership position.
Q: What opportunities do you identify for these products in the Indian market, and how do you plan to capitalize on them?
A: The Indian market is rapidly opening up, particularly in the solar sector. The introduction of solar houses marks just the beginning of this transformation, with solar pumps also starting to gain traction. We are at the early stages of market development.
Consider the cold room industry, which is akin to how refrigerators were viewed three decades ago—as premium luxury items. Today, cold rooms have become essential, serving as “farm fridges” for farmers producing perishable goods, especially in horticulture. These solutions are critical for dairy products in rural areas and fish storage along coastal regions.
We face significant challenges, but we are just beginning to tap into the vast opportunities ahead. The potential for growth in this sector is limitless.
To address these challenges, we invite more stakeholders to join this initiative. Together, we can take significant steps forward in this journey.
Q: Do all of your products incorporate energy portability features, allowing users to utilize multiple energy sources?
A: Our system is a hybrid solution that can operate independently on solar energy. If electricity is available, it can utilize that as well. For instance, during the rainy season when sunlight is limited, users can still rely on the system.
Additionally, the system connects to a DC source, ensuring functionality even without electricity or sunlight. Users can also connect it to a generator, providing flexibility and reliability.
All these components are fully compatible, allowing us to tailor solutions based on specific requirements. While we offer standard configurations, our approach ensures that every system remains hybrid, adapting to the diverse needs of our customers.
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