Punjab's Farmers to Get Solar Pumps with Up to 80 Percent Subsidy
Punjab Government introduces a new scheme offering 20,000 solar pumps (AC) to farmers, with 60 percent subsidy for general category and 80 percent for Scheduled Caste applicants, starting September 9.
September 09, 2024. By EI News Network
Aman Arora, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Resources, stated that the initiative is designed to assist farmers facing difficulties in obtaining new power connections for their agricultural pump sets, following a previous ban on new connections by the Central government. The State government aims to support farmers by promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Under the scheme, 20,000 new solar pump connections will be distributed, including both surface and submersible types, for motors of three, five, seven-and-a-half, and ten horsepower (HP). The market prices range from INR 2.9 lakh for a 3 HP motor to INR 5.57 lakh for a 10 HP motor. However, these will be provided at subsidised rates where general category farmers will receive a 60 percent subsidy, while Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers will benefit from an 80 percent subsidy.
Of the total allocation, 15,000 solar pumps will be provided to general category farmers, 2,000 to SC farmers, and 3,000 to panchayats, with distribution on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. This scheme is expected to enhance agricultural productivity and promote the use of eco-friendly irrigation solutions in Punjab.
It may be mentioned that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme, launched in March 2019 and expanded in September 2023, aims to provide affordable and accessible power to farmers across India. The scheme's key objectives are to reduce dependence on diesel in the agricultural sector, ensure energy and water security for farmers, enhance their income, and minimise environmental pollution.
Under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, the first component focuses on establishing 10,000 MW of decentralised ground or stilt-mounted grid-connected solar or other renewable energy-based power plants on farmers' land. This initiative encourages the use of renewable energy sources while offering farmers an opportunity to generate additional income.
The second component involves installing 14 lakh standalone off-grid solar water pumps to provide reliable irrigation solutions to farmers, especially in areas with limited or no grid connectivity. These solar pumps reduce the reliance on diesel-powered pumps, thereby promoting cleaner energy usage.
The third component emphasises the solarisation of 35 lakh existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, along with feeder-level solarisation. This aspect of the scheme aims to integrate more renewable energy into the agricultural sector, ensuring consistent power supply and further reducing the environmental impact of traditional energy sources.
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