Maharashtra Tops in Solar Agricultural Pump Implementation

Pune:The implementation of the “Solar Agricultural Pump on Demand” scheme, which provides farmers with a complete set of solar panels and agricultural pumps by paying just 10% of the cost, has gained momentum. In December, an average of 844 pumps were installed daily across the state, as reported by Lokesh Chandra, Chairman and Managing Director of Mahavitaran.

Through Mahavitaran, a total of 21,951 solar agricultural pumps were installed by December 26, 2023, averaging 844 pumps per day. This is the highest monthly average to date. From 2015 to 2023, 180,000 solar pumps were installed under various schemes. However, in the eight months from March 2024 until now, 158,000 solar pumps have been installed in the state, setting a national record for the highest number of solar pumps installed in any state.

Under the “Solar Agricultural Pump on Demand” scheme, farmers receive a 30% subsidy from the central government through the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM scheme, and a 60% subsidy from the state government. This means farmers only need to pay 10% of the cost for a complete irrigation pump system. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes farmers only need to pay 5% of the cost.

The state government announced this scheme in the state budget in February, with a target to install 1.5 million solar agricultural pumps. This will resolve the issue of farmers waiting for electricity connections after paying for their pumps.

Mahavitaran has set up a separate portal for the “Solar Agricultural Pump on Demand” scheme. After farmers register online, Mahavitaran approves their applications. The farmers then pay their share, and an agency is selected to install the pumps. The installation site is jointly inspected by Mahavitaran, the agency, and the farmer before a work order is issued, and the pump is installed. The agency is also responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Since solar panels generate electricity for 25 years, farmers do not have to pay electricity bills for the agricultural pump during this period. As these pumps are not reliant on conventional electricity supply, farmers can irrigate at their convenience during the day, fulfilling their demand for daytime electricity.