Govt may launch scheme to provide cost-effective electricity next month

The Rajasthan government is likely to initiate 'Kusum Yojna' to install solar water pumps from next month, with an aim to raise income and provide cost-effective electricity to the farmers.

"The Kusum Yojna is likely to start from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan from next month. The scheme is aimed to increase farmers income and provide them cost-effective electricity," Nawal Kishor Gupta, technical manager, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) said.

Under the scheme, farmers will be able to install solar water pump set on their fields. They will be able to use the electricity generated from the solar pump and surplus electricity will be transmitted to power grid, he said.

Gupta said the corporation is yet to receive the nitty-gritty of the Kusum Scheme such as number of pumps to be installed and project cost.

Apart from Kusum Yojna, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to install 7,500 solar water pumps this year through horticulture department, the implementing agency.

"We have to install 7,500 solar water pumps for the farmers this year, which is apart from Kusum Yojna. The work has begun," Sharad Godha, additional director, horticulture department said.

As per RRECL data, the solar water pump project was started in 2010-11 in Rajasthan and till 2016-17, total 29,667 pumps have been installed in the state. In 2017-18, no new solar pumps were installed as tenders were cancelled. These solar water pump plants are generating around 113 megawatt electricity and approximately 74,167 hectares are being irrigated.