Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana, allocating ₹447 crore for solar pumps to support farmers, enhance irrigation, and address water scarcity in drought-hit regions.Key Takeaways
- ₹447 crore budget allocation for solar pumps.
- Targeting 40 lakh farmers with solar pump installations.
- 30% subsidy for farmers on solar pump costs.
- Improving irrigation and drinking water access.
- Promoting renewable energy projects in agriculture.
Bhopal, March 12 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh has launched a groundbreaking program known as the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana.
With a bold objective of providing solar pumps to 40 lakh farmers in the state, Finance Minister Jagdish Devda announced a substantial budget of ₹447 crore during the presentation of the 2025-26 Budget in the state Assembly on Wednesday.
The introduction of solar pumps aims to alleviate the financial burden on farmers due to electricity costs, while the excess power generated will be purchased by the state grid, creating an additional income source for farmers.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed confidence in the scheme's ability to tackle water scarcity, particularly in drought-prone regions, including districts in Bundelkhand such as Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, and Datia, as well as Vidisha, Shivpuri, and Raisen located in the Betwa basin.
These districts are anticipated to benefit from enhanced irrigation and improved access to drinking water. The initiative aims to irrigate 6,57,364 hectares of farmland and provide drinking water to 44 lakh people in these areas.
To promote participation, the government will provide a minimum subsidy of 30 percent for solar pump installations on agricultural land, requiring farmers to contribute up to 40 percent of the cost as margin money.
Financial support through banks enables farmers to pay only 5-10 percent initially, with the remaining 30 percent available through loans.
Eligibility criteria state that applicants must own agricultural land and not have operational electric pumps.
Recently, the government increased the grant amount for the scheme.
To date, 59,400 applications have been approved, and 7,325 farmers have received solar pumps.
Additionally, the initiative includes the Varun Mitra skill development program under the PM Kusum Yojana, aimed at enhancing skills in solar energy solutions, particularly in training technicians for solar water pumps.
Furthermore, the scheme supports the establishment of renewable energy projects ranging from 500 kilowatts to 2 megawatts, promoting a green agricultural revolution in Madhya Pradesh.
