In the Kheda district of Gujarat, a quiet revolution has been brewing, transforming a small village into a model of sustainability and self-reliance that many cities would envy. Dhundi, a village that once faced challenges common to rural India, has emerged as a shining example of how innovation and community spirit can create a truly "smart" village.

At the heart of Dhundi's transformation is the Dhundi Saur Urja Utpadak Sahakari Mandali (DSUUSM), the world's first solar irrigation cooperative. Established in 2016 with the help of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), this cooperative has empowered local farmers to harness solar energy for irrigation and sell surplus power back to the grid. This initiative replaced expensive, noisy, and polluting diesel pumps with grid-connected solar pumps, revolutionizing agriculture in the region.

The impact of the DSUUSM has been profound. Farmers, once burdened by debt and unreliable power supply, have become "solar entrepreneurs," irrigating their fields with solar pumps and earning additional income by selling excess power. Some farmers reported their annual income jumping from ₹30,000 to ₹1,30,000 by selling electricity and water. The cooperative sells excess power to the Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (MGVCL). Moreover, farmers can sell excess water from their borewells, further augmenting their income. This has not only improved their financial standing but also made them self-sufficient with water pumps and power grids.

The success of Dhundi's solar cooperative has far-reaching implications. It presents a viable solution to reduce agricultural electricity consumption and eliminate power subsidies. By selling surplus power to the grid, the cooperative also helps conserve groundwater. The model has become so successful that other villages are now trying to replicate it.

Beyond solar energy, the Gujarat government has been actively promoting the development of "smart villages" across the state. The Smart Village Incentive Scheme aims to transform villages into sustainable and convenient settlements comparable to cities. The scheme focuses on leveraging advanced technology, enhancing the quality of life, preserving rural lifestyles, providing essential infrastructure, and boosting economic, social, and environmental value. Villages selected under this scheme receive financial assistance to support their development initiatives.

While Dhundi's success is rooted in its solar cooperative, the broader "smart village" initiative in Gujarat encompasses a range of factors, including good governance, infrastructure development, and the use of technology to improve the lives of villagers. The goal is to create model villages that serve as "action laboratories" for sustainable development and attract tourism.

Dhundi's story demonstrates that with the right vision and community participation, rural areas can not only achieve self-sufficiency but also set new standards for sustainable development. As Gujarat continues to promote the "smart village" concept, Dhundi stands as an inspiration, proving that even the smallest village can lead the way in creating a smarter, more sustainable future for all.