The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an innovative scheme that aims to transform farmers into electricity producers while providing them with affordable power for irrigation. The Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana is set to revolutionize agriculture in the state by harnessing solar energy.
What is the Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana?
Under this scheme, solar power plants will be installed on agricultural feeders to supply electricity to grid-connected agricultural pumps. This is an expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana at the state level.
Some key points about the scheme:
- Farmers can become 'electricity producers' by investing in solar energy projects
- It will provide cheap electricity to farmers for daytime irrigation
- Solar plants up to 100% capacity of electricity sub-stations can be set up
- 25-year power purchase agreements will be signed with the government
- Local entrepreneurs will get investment and employment opportunities
Benefits for Farmers
The scheme offers several advantages for farmers:
- Affordable daytime power supply for irrigation
- Opportunity to earn additional income as electricity producers
- Improved power availability and quality in rural areas
- Reduced dependence on diesel for irrigation pumps
- Contribution to clean energy and environmental conservation
Implementation Progress
The government has already made significant progress in implementing the scheme:
- 80 MW capacity projects installed, powering over 16,000 agricultural pumps
- 240 MW projects under installation after signing power purchase agreements
- 200 MW projects in the pipeline
- Target to solarize 3.45 lakh pumps under PM KUSUM scheme
- Tenders issued for developers to set up 1200 MW capacity solar projects
Financial Support
To make the scheme attractive for farmers and developers:
- 3% interest subsidy for 7 years from Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
- Memorandums signed with banks and institutions for easy project financing
- Training programs conducted for over 100 developers and installers
Impact on Power Infrastructure
The scheme is expected to have wide-ranging benefits for the power sector:
- Better management of agricultural power demand during daytime
- Reduced transmission and distribution losses
- Improved voltage profile and grid stability in rural areas
- Savings on substation/transformer upgrades
- Lower power subsidy burden for agricultural consumers
The Road Ahead
The Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and rural electrification. By empowering farmers as energy producers and ensuring affordable power supply, it addresses multiple challenges in one stroke.
As the scheme progresses, it has the potential to transform the rural energy landscape of Madhya Pradesh while boosting farm incomes and productivity. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar models across other states, accelerating India's transition to clean energy.
Farmers interested in the scheme can contact their local agriculture department or visit the official website for more details on how to participate and benefit from this innovative program.
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