3 crore energy-efficient pumps required in agri-sector: Goyal

To ensure efficient utilisation of electricity in the agricultural sector, Union Minister Piyush Goyal today said the country will require three crore energy-efficient pump sets in the coming years.
As many as two crore pumps required to be replaced, while another one crore diesel generators pumps need to be changed with energy-efficient ones.
"... Through pilot projects, it has been estimated that some 25-33 per cent electricity can be saved through these (energy-efficient) pumps," Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters here.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the first National Workshop on Agricultural Demand Side Management (AgDSM), organised by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) here.

Emphasising that five-star and four-star rated pumps can be helpful in providing employment to large number of youngsters, the minister said, "This will be also a new medium for startup... Thousands startups can be made from this."
"According to preliminary estimates 4,600 crore units electricity can be saved from this," the minister said.

The minister further said the center-point of any responsible government is the welfare and the future of the farmers.
In his interaction with the manufacturers of agricultural pumps and other stakeholders at the workshop, the minister urged them to scale up production capacity with special focus on quality maintenance and competitive pricing.

Congratulating EESL on launching the initiative, Goyal said there is no doubt that the programme will be a success story for EESL in creating an energy efficient ecosystem for farmers.
The workshop aims to promote the implementation of AgDSM projects in the country for better energy efficiency.
Principal Secretaries of various states, subject experts, representatives of distribution companies, bankers, pump manufacturer's and several other policy makers attended the workshop.
Besides, the minister tweeted: "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana guarantees complete insurance for the first time in the history of India at a very small cost.