Solarising Indian Agriculture Founded in 1982 by Manohar Lal Patidar, Shakti Pumps, now led by Dinesh and Ankit Patidar, delivers solar and electric pumps, motors, and sustainable water-energy solutions globally.

By Minakshi Sangwan

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Ankit Patidar, Director and CMO, Shakti Pumps

Shakti Pumps began its journey in 1982, when Manohar Lal Patidar, a young farmer from Rangwasa village in Indore district, witnessed the harsh challenges farmers faced due to unreliable water supply and limited electricity.

Aimed to create a meaningful solution, his son Dinesh Patidar set up a modest factory in Pithampur (MP) to manufacture durable, affordable motor pumps that could operate even in low-power conditions. His pioneering shift from cast-iron to stainless-steel pump sets made Shakti Pumps the first of its kind in India, eventually earning the title "The Pump of the Nation."

He further expanded this vision with leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to renewable energy. Introducing solar-powered pump solutions, he elevated Shakti Pumps into a global brand present in more than 100 countries.

Today alongwith Chairman Dinesh Patidar, the legacy is driven forward by the third generation, led by Ankit Patidar, Director and CMO, whose work is deeply influenced by the values he grew up with. "Growing up in this legacy, I'm inspired by the values of trust, hard work, and community commitment that shaped our journey," said Ankit. "As CMO, my focus is to build on that foundation, connecting our innovation and sustainable solutions with customers globally."

Balancing tradition with modernisation, Ankit believes that the company's strength lies in evolving without losing sight of its roots. "Legacy must evolve to stay relevant in today's dynamic market," he noted. This philosophy shaped one of Shakti's biggest milestones: bringing Amitabh Bachchan on board for the "Annadata Sukhi Bhav" campaign. "It wasn't just marketing. It was a tribute to India's farmers. It reaffirmed that true leadership serves a cause bigger than oneself," he noted.

Shakti Pumps today stands synonymous with solar-powered water solutions, guided by the core belief of the family in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One World, One Family. Their clean-energy products empower farmers, reduce carbon footprints, and support India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

With over 15 patents, continuous R&D, and advanced manufacturing, the company remains a global leader in sustainable water and energy technologies.

Beyond business, the family's social commitment runs deep. Through the Shakti Foundation, led by Ankit's mother, they support education, healthcare, and rural women's development.

Looking ahead, Ankit envisions Shakti Pumps strengthening its global leadership while staying true to its founding principles. With initiatives like Shakti on Roof, the company is expanding solar adoption at household and community levels.

"Our commitment is simple: build for the nation, not just for ourselves. Innovation with integrity will define the Shakti of tomorrow," he ended.

Facts:

  • Inception: 1982
  • Revenue (FY 2024–25): INR 2,500+ Cr
  • Global Presence: India and 100+ countries
  • Employees: 2,000+
  • Product Categories: Solar pumps, electric pumps, motors, structures, controllers, and VFDs
Minakshi Sangwan

Junior Writer

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Branding

Creating a Brand: How To Build a Brand From Scratch

Every business needs good branding to succeed. Discover the basics and key tips to building a successful brand in this detailed guide.

Innovation

It's Time to Rethink Research and Development. Here's What Must Change.

R&D can't live in a lab anymore. Today's leaders fuse science, strategy, sustainability and people to turn discovery into real-world value.

Marketing

How to Better Manage Your Sales Process

Get your priorities in order, and watch sales roll in.

Business News

AI Agents Can Help Businesses Be '10 Times More Productive,' According to a Nvidia VP. Here's What They Are and How Much They Cost.

In a new interview with Entrepreneur, Nvidia's Vice President of AI Software, Kari Briski, explains how AI agents will "transform" the way we work — and sooner than you think.

Starting a Business

Passion-Driven vs. Purpose-Driven Businesses — What's the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?

Passion and purpose are both powerful forces in entrepreneurship, but they are not the same.