Shakti Pumps, a leading manufacturer of agricultural pumps and solar water pumping systems, has secured a Rs. 150 crore order under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM scheme). This is the first commercial order under Component C of the scheme, which aims to install grid-connected solar pumps to replace inefficient electric pump sets.
The PM-KUSUM scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian government to promote solar energy in the agricultural sector. It offers a subsidy to farmers for the installation of solar pumps, which can help them to reduce their energy costs and improve their irrigation efficiency.
Under Component C of the scheme, Shakti Pumps will supply and install BLDC solar pump sets to farmers in the state of Rajasthan. The project is expected to benefit over 10,000 farmers and generate over 100 MW of solar power.
Shakti Pumps’ success in securing this order is a testament to the company’s strong track record in the solar water pumping sector. The company has a wide range of solar pumps and related products that are designed to meet the needs of farmers in all parts of India.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the PM-KUSUM scheme is also expected to have a significant impact on the Indian economy. It is estimated that the scheme will create over 700,000 jobs and generate over Rs.3.5 lakh crore in economic benefits over the next five years.
How the PM-KUSUM Scheme Can Be Made More Effective in Reaching Farmers in All Parts of India
The PM-KUSUM scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian government to promote solar energy in the agricultural sector. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order to make the scheme more effective in reaching farmers in all parts of India.
One challenge is that the subsidy offered under the scheme is not always sufficient to cover the full cost of installing a solar pump system. This can make it difficult for farmers with limited financial resources to participate in the scheme.
To address these challenges, the government could consider increasing the subsidy offered under the scheme and simplifying the application process. The government could also work with banks and other financial institutions to provide farmers with access to loans for financing the installation of solar pump systems.
Challenges That Need to Be Addressed in Order to Scale Up Solar Irrigation in India
In addition to the challenges mentioned above, there are a few other challenges that need to be addressed in order to scale up solar irrigation in India.
One challenge is the lack of awareness among farmers about the benefits of solar water pumps. Many farmers are not aware of the cost savings and other benefits that solar pumps can offer.
Another challenge is the lack of skilled technicians who can install and maintain solar pump systems. This can make it difficult for farmers to get their solar pumps installed and repaired quickly and efficiently.
To address these challenges, the government could launch awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits of solar water pumps. The government could also invest in training programs to create a pool of skilled technicians who can install and maintain solar pump systems.
Overall, Shakti Pumps’ success in securing the Rs.150 crore order under the PM-KUSUM scheme is a positive development for India’s solar irrigation mission. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order to make the scheme more effective and to scale up solar irrigation in India.