SahanTech Solutions and Autostudio Limited Partner to Manufacture Solar-Powered Hydroponic Fodder Machines in Ethiopia

Raaso, Ethiopia – February 2, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move to enhance agricultural resilience and combat Ethiopia’s persistent drought-related livestock feed shortages, SahanTech Solutions has joined forces with Autostudio India to launch local production of Solar Eco Hydroponic Fodder Machines. This initiative aims to provide Ethiopian farmers with a sustainable and cost-effective solution for year-round livestock feed production.

Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, which supports over 80% of the population, continues to struggle with the devastating effects of climate change. Since late 2021, severe drought conditions have led to the loss of over 4.5 million livestock, with an additional 30 million animals at risk. As a result, nearly 12 million people in drought-affected regions face growing food insecurity.

The Compact Solar-Powered Hydroponic Fodder System, developed through this partnership, is specifically designed to help farmers produce fresh, nutrient-rich fodder independent of external weather conditions.

The Solar Eco Hydroponic Fodder System offers several key features designed to support sustainable farming. It operates on a 50W DC solar panel, which powers an automated system for climate control, making it efficient in areas with limited power supply.

Additionally, the system is highly water-efficient, consuming only 5-10 liters of water per day, a crucial benefit in drought-prone regions. Its compact design (measuring 1.2m (H) × 1m (W) × 0.5m (D)) allows it to fit easily in backyards or small sheds, making it accessible for smallholder farmers.

The system enables rapid fodder production, with the ability to generate 10-15 kg of fresh fodder daily within just seven days, providing feed for 2-3 cows or 5-7 goats.

By manufacturing these machines locally, SahanTech Solutions and Autostudio India aim to make them affordable for smallholder farmers, with prices projected to range between $150 and $250.

This initiative is expected to reduce reliance on rain-fed fodder, ensuring year-round feed availability, enhance food security by improving livestock nutrition and productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture through resource-efficient farming solutions.