Daily Installation of 844 Solar Pumps Benefits Farmers in December
Mumbai: Maharashtra has achieved the top rank in the country for the implementation of the “Magtel Tyala Solar Krishi Pump” scheme, under which farmers receive a complete set of solar panels and pumps by paying just 10% of the total cost. According to Lokesh Chandra, Chairman and Managing Director of Mahavitaran, an average of 844 solar pumps were installed daily in the state during December.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized the importance of this scheme, aiming to resolve the long-pending issue of electricity connections for irrigation. As of December 26, a total of 21,951 solar pumps were installed in the state, marking the highest monthly average achieved so far.
From 2015 to 2023, Maharashtra installed 1,80,000 solar pumps under various schemes. However, in just eight months since March 2024, the state has installed an additional 1,58,000 solar pumps, setting a national record for the highest number of installations.
Under the scheme, farmers receive 30% financial assistance from the central government under the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana and 60% from the state government. This allows farmers to obtain a complete solar pump system by contributing only 10% of the cost. For farmers belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the beneficiary share is reduced to 5%.
Announced in the state budget in February, the scheme aims to install 1.5 million solar agricultural pumps across Maharashtra, resolving the issue of pending electricity connections for irrigation.
Streamlined Process and Long-Term Benefits
Mahavitaran has created a dedicated portal for the scheme. Farmers register online for the pump, after which the application is approved, and the farmer pays their share. An agency is then selected for pump installation. A joint inspection is conducted by Mahavitaran, the agency, and the farmer, followed by the issuance of a work order for installation.
The agency is also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pumps. With a lifespan of 25 years for the solar panels, farmers are exempt from electricity bills for the same duration. The solar pumps, independent of the traditional power grid, allow farmers to irrigate their fields at any time during the day, addressing their long-standing demand for daytime electricity supply.
