Sep 18 – In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has set a target of installing over 30,000 solar photovoltaic irrigation pumps by spending Rs 434 crore under the PM KUSUM Yojana.
According to a government official, the programme aims to ensure clean energy sources to fulfil the state’s expanding energy needs.
The state and central governments will contribute Rs 217.84 crore and Rs 217.09 crore, respectively, to the expenditure.
“The responsibility of implementing this action plan in the state has been given to the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency (UPNEDA), through which a clean energy-based irrigation system will be provided to the farmers of 75 districts through surface and submersible pump installation,” he said.
According to the guidelines of the Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, 60% of the benchmark cost of installing standalone solar pumps of various capacities up to 7.5 HP will be provided as a grant, with the remaining 30% borne by the centre and the state.
“Farmers who are interested in installing solar pumps through the agricultural infrastructure fund can deposit the farmer’s necessary share by obtaining a loan from a bank at the same time. The state and central governments will contribute 3 per cent each of the total interest rebate of 6 per cent on this,” the spokesman said.
“The installation of these pumps will assist farmers in adopting solar-powered irrigation, offering them an affordable and eco-friendly energy source,” he pointed out.
UPNEDA will assist in the installation of various solar pumps, including 1800 W 2 HP DC and AC surface and submersible pumps, 3000 W 3 HP DC-AC submersible pumps, 4800 W 5 HP AC submersible pumps, 6750 W 7.5 HP AC submersible pumps, and 9000 W 10 HP AC submersible pumps, according to the recently approved revised action plan.
Individuals interested in participating in this plan must register on the agriculture department’s website. Following registration, farmers should choose the pump specifications and categories for which they want to apply for eligibility, according to the spokeswoman.