Rajasthan Leads The Country In Solar-Power Pump Installations In The Agricultural Sector

Rajasthan led the country in the installation of solar-power pumps in agricultural fields. The scheme has benefited over 57,000 farmers so far. It is the result of a state subsidy of up to 60% given to farmers for solar pumps. Farmers who took advantage of the state government's subsidy to install solar power pumps no longer have to rely on the availability of electricity to irrigate their fields.

Farmers who took advantage of the state government's subsidy to install solar power pumps no longer have to rely on the availability of electricity to irrigate their fields.

Farmers are being encouraged by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to install solar pumps for irrigation rather than relying on electricity connections, diesel-powered plants, or other alternative means.

While the use of solar pumps for irrigation of fields reduced reliance on electricity, green energy ensured less pollution on the other hand. Furthermore, the agricultural yield has increased while the expenditure on electricity bills has been reduced. As a result, farmers' income has increased, allowing them to become economically self-sufficient.

Agriculture Commissioner, Kanaram stated that an additional grant of Rs 45,000 was also made available to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers, as well as a 100% subsidy on solar pump plants with capacities of 3 and 5 HP to Scheduled Tribe farmers in tribal sub-plan areas.

In the last four years, 57,657 farmers have received grants totaling Rs 982.95 crore under the Solar Energy Pump Project.

According to the Chief Minister's agriculture budget announcement for the fiscal year 2022-23, a grant of Rs 500 crore is proposed to be given to one lakh farmers over the next two years for the installation of solar pumps.

What Is Agriculture Solar Power Pump?

A solar water pump is a photovoltaic technology application that converts solar energy into electricity to power the pumping system, thus replacing erratic grid supply and polluting diesel-powered versions. Solar modules power the solar water pump, which draws surface or groundwater out for irrigation.

The system runs on energy generated by a solar PV (photovoltaic) system. The photovoltaic array converts solar energy into electricity, which is then used to power the pump set. The pumping system draws water from an open well, bore well, stream, pond, or canal, among other sources. The installation of the Solar panel requires a shadow-free area.