Punjab News: In an effort to promote sustainable energy in the agriculture sector, the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has announced the installation of 20,000 solar pumps dedicated to agricultural use. State Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources, Aman Arora, stated that farmers interested in the initiative can apply online from September 9 to 30 at www.pmkusum.peda.gov.in.
Subsidy for Solar Pumps
Farmers can apply for solar pumps with capacities of 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 HP. A generous subsidy is being offered, with 60% available for general category farmers and 80% for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers, according to Minister Arora. The state government has also reserved 2,000 solar pumps specifically for SC farmers and an additional 3,000 for gram panchayats.
Special Considerations for Dark Zones and Diesel Pumps
In areas designated as dark zones, where groundwater levels are over-exploited, solar pumps will be allocated to farmers who already have micro-irrigation systems like drip or sprinkler irrigation installed on their bore-wells. Furthermore, farmers and panchayats currently using diesel pumps to extract water from village ponds, farm ponds, or canal water diggies are also eligible for the scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
Arora clarified that farmers with electric motor connections from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) are not eligible to apply for this initiative. The scheme is focused on encouraging the shift from traditional diesel and electric motors to solar-powered alternatives, thus fostering environmental sustainability in Punjab’s agriculture sector.
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