Solar-powered irrigation under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is transforming agricultural livelihoods across Gujarat's tribal and remote districts, with thousands of farmers in Narmada, Dang, and Tapi reporting year-round water access, reduced diesel dependence, and the ability to cultivate multiple crops each season. The scheme has reached significant scale in the state, with 256 solar power plants totalling 695 MW of capacity now operational under PM-KUSUM Component-C.

Scale of Implementation in Gujarat

The solarisation drive has brought approximately 2.97 lakh agricultural pumps under solar coverage across the state. Rajkot district leads with the highest installed capacity at 81 MW. In parallel, more than 21,000 solar water pumps are operational statewide, including in remote tribal belts where conventional irrigation infrastructure has historically been sparse or absent.

Under Component-B, standalone solar pumps are being deployed in forest and off-grid areas where grid electricity is either unavailable or not economically viable. A total of 22,787 solar pumps have been commissioned under this component so far. Under Component-A, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 163 MW have been executed and related work is currently under way.

Farmers Describe the On-Ground Change

Ramu Waghmare of Umarpada village in Dang district recalled that farming was once entirely monsoon-dependent. 'A favourable rainy season meant a successful harvest, while poor rainfall often resulted in financial hardship. Irrigation required visiting fields during the night because of unreliable electricity supply, while water scarcity remained a persistent challenge,' he said. With a solar pump now installed, water is available continuously from sunrise to sunset, enabling multi-crop cultivation and eliminating the need for night visits to fields.

In Tapi district, Gavji Vasava of Gavan village said farming was previously confined to the monsoon window. Solar-powered irrigation has since allowed farmers to grow crops throughout the year. 'Many farmers are now cultivating fodder crops and earning additional income through livestock rearing,' he said. In Narmada district, Ishwar Vasava of Juna Mosda village said insufficient farm income had earlier compelled him to seek labour work in cities. Reliable irrigation under the scheme now allows him to harvest three crops annually, substantially improving his family's economic condition.

Subsidy Structure and Special Provisions

According to Gujarat State Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, beneficiaries under Component-B receive 30 per cent Central Financial Assistance (CFA) from the Union government and a 30 per cent subsidy from the state government, with the remaining 40 per cent borne by the farmer. This support applies to pump sets up to 7.5 horsepower (HP).

For farmers in forest areas, the state has introduced enhanced provisions. Tribal and forest-area farmers receive 30 per cent subsidy from the Centre and 70 per cent from the state government, meaning they bear no financial contribution. Non-tribal farmers in forest areas receive the same subsidy split but are required to pay only a nominal fixed charge. Patel noted that the scheme is also making 'an important contribution to environmental conservation by reducing diesel consumption.'

Broader Impact on Tribal Agriculture

Across Gujarat's tribal districts, the expansion of solar irrigation is addressing longstanding structural challenges — erratic grid power, high diesel costs, and rainfall variability — that have historically constrained agricultural productivity. Crop diversification, fodder cultivation, and supplementary livestock income are emerging as downstream benefits. This comes amid a wider national push under PM-KUSUM to solarise 35 lakh agricultural pumps across India, making Gujarat one of the more advanced implementing states. The scheme's trajectory in the state will be closely watched as a replicable model for other tribal and rain-shadow regions.