Banaskantha Residents Reap Benefits from Solar Pumps Under PM-KUSUM Initiative
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Farmers in Banaskantha, Gujarat, are benefitting from the PM-KUSUM scheme, which promotes solar pumps for energy security. This initiative helps them reduce electricity costs and enhance farming efficiency through solar energy solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers in Banaskantha are adopting solar pumps.
- PM-KUSUM scheme provides subsidies for solar pump installation.
- Significant reduction in electricity costs for farmers.
- Farmers can farm throughout all seasons without interruptions.
- Grid-connected solar power plants can be installed on barren land.
Banaskantha, March 24 (NationPress) The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was initiated in 2019 to ensure energy security for farmers and to uphold the nation's commitment to enhancing its renewable energy share to approximately 49 percent by 2030.
Currently, numerous farmers are reaping the rewards of the PM-KUSUM scheme, significantly reducing their electricity usage by adopting solar farming.
The farmers in Danta taluka of Gujarat's Banaskantha district are among the pioneers in implementing this initiative and are also guiding others in the process.
For Bachhubhai, a farmer from Banaskantha, the solar pump has emerged as a new energy source. Previously, he had to irrigate at night due to inconsistent power supply.
Upon learning about the PM-KUSUM Yojana, he submitted an online application. His solar pump became operational within just three months, allowing him to farm comfortably from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m..
The most significant benefit is that his electricity bill, which used to be around Rs 10,000, is now zero. Additionally, he received a 25-year warranty on the solar panel.
Meghraj is another farmer who is enjoying similar benefits under the PM-KUSUM scheme.
In total, there are 116 villages in Danta taluka of Banaskantha.
Out of these, solar pumps have been installed in 30 villages.
Many farmers have made moderate investments to install solar pumps, enabling them to farm throughout winter, summer, and the rainy season without interruptions. They are also greatly reducing their electricity costs.
The PM-KUSUM Scheme offers a subsidy of up to 30 or 50 percent from the Central government for the installation of standalone solar pumps and for the solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.
Farmers also benefit from the ability to install grid-connected solar power plants of up to 2MW on their unused land.
