Bhubaneswar: Odisha is spearheading a clean energy push in its agricultural sector, focusing on the solarization of 10,000 grid-connected agricultural pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. This initiative aims to empower farmers and boost sustainable farming practices.
Principal Secretary Energy, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, is leading the state’s drive, which offers farmers up to 70% subsidy on solar pump installations.
The scheme’s focus is on solarizing existing grid-connected pumps, allowing farmers to not only reduce their input costs but also earn additional income by selling surplus power to the grid.
Key Features of Odisha’s Implementation
The success of Odisha’s clean energy drive is largely attributed to its robust support structure for farmers. Here are the key features:
Substantial Subsidy Support: Farmers in Odisha can receive up to 70% subsidy support for installing solar pumps. This significantly reduces the financial burden on farmers, making the transition to solar energy more accessible. The subsidy is a combination of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) from the MNRE and state-level support.
Targeted Expansion: The first phase of the initiative aims to solarize 10,000 grid-connected agricultural pumps. This focused approach allows for a streamlined implementation process and ensures that a significant number of farmers benefit from the scheme in a short period.
Empowering Farmers: By providing reliable and cost-effective solar energy, the initiative addresses critical challenges faced by farmers, such as erratic power supply and high electricity or diesel costs. Solar pumps ensure consistent water availability for irrigation, leading to improved crop yields and enhanced agricultural productivity. The ability to sell surplus power to the grid also adds to the farmers’ financial stability.
Environmental Benefits: The shift from conventional power sources to solar energy significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector. This aligns with India’s and Odisha’s broader climate goals and contributes to a cleaner, greener environment.
Thousands of solar pumps have already been installed across various districts, ensuring a reliable power supply for irrigation and freeing farmers from dependence on costly diesel or erratic electricity.
The state’s proactive approach, combined with the substantial subsidy, is making the transition to solar power a reality for many farmers, lighting up fields and creating a more sustainable future for agriculture in Odisha.
With thousands of solar pumps already installed across various districts, the initiative is gaining momentum. The on-ground impact is evident in the illuminated fields and the testimonials of farmers who have experienced a reduction in their input costs.
The Energy Department, under the leadership of Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, is actively working with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of the scheme and is setting a precedent for other states in the country.
This proactive and collaborative approach is vital to creating an enabling environment for clean energy development and achieving a truly sustainable agricultural model.