Pune: Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone by installing over 100,000 solar-powered agricultural pumps under the "Solar Agricultural Pump Scheme," spearheading the nationwide effort to empower farmers with sustainable irrigation solutions.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has installed a total of 101,462 solar pumps across the state. Jalna district leads with 15,940 installations, followed by Beed (14,705), Parbhani (9,334), Ahilyanagar (7,630), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (6,267), and Hingoli (6,014).

Announced in February during the state budget, the scheme aims to install 1.5 million solar pumps in Maharashtra. This initiative not only promotes clean energy but also addresses the issue of pending paid electricity connections for farmers.

Farmers participating in the scheme contribute only 10% of the total cost, with the central government funding 30% under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, and the state government providing 60% of the subsidy. SC/ST farmers are required to contribute just 5% as their share.

Solar panels provide uninterrupted power for 25 years, eliminating electricity bills for agricultural pumps during this period. Unlike traditional pumps, these solar-powered pumps are not dependent on conventional electricity supply, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields at any time during the day. This feature has addressed farmers' long-standing demand for reliable daytime power for irrigation.

The scheme ensures that farmers who have already paid for agricultural electricity connections no longer have to wait indefinitely for installations. The use of solar power also contributes to environmental conservation while reducing dependence on conventional energy resources.

With this achievement, Maharashtra sets an example for other states in leveraging renewable energy for agricultural sustainability.