Tripura: The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) is advancing efforts to install 10,895 solar-powered irrigation pumps under the PM Kusum scheme to improve irrigation access for rural farmers. Over 3,600 pumps have already been installed, benefiting thousands of marginal farmers across the state.
According to TREDA officials, the agency has installed 3,616 solar pumps, ensuring irrigation for 7,232 acres of farmland and supporting 3,616 marginal farmers. This initiative aims to reduce dependency on conventional energy and improve agricultural productivity.
Ongoing Work to Expand Coverage
Work is underway to set up an additional 5,051 solar-powered pumps, with plans to install the remaining 2,264 units soon. Once completed, the project will provide irrigation access to 21,790 acres of farmland in rural areas, supporting farmers struggling with unreliable water sources.
Subsidies to Make Solar Pumps Affordable
The PM Kusum scheme provides significant subsidies to make solar irrigation pumps affordable for farmers. For a 1 horsepower (HP) pump, farmers are required to pay only ₹10,000 out of the total cost of ₹1.39 lakh, while a 2 HP pump costs ₹15,000 against its full price of ₹1.77 lakh.
Focus on Long-Term Benefits
TREDA Joint Director Debabrata Sukladas emphasized that the initiative not only ensures assured irrigation for up to 25 years but also eliminates electricity costs for farmers. For those without water sources, the scheme includes subsidies for setting up new irrigation facilities.
This solar-powered irrigation initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to double agricultural productivity in rural areas by making irrigation more accessible and sustainable.
Discussion about this post