To Save On Power Subsidies, One Lakh Solar Agriculture Pumps Approved In Maharashtra, Says CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at the launch of Mukhyamantri Krishi Vahini Scheme on Tuesday, said that the state government has approved one lakh solar agriculture pumps and has an aim to provide uninterrupted electricity to the farmers even during day time, The Economic Times has reported.

Fadnavis said that the scheme aims to generate 2,500 megawatt of solar power through a high-voltage distribution system (HVDS) wherein a single transformer can be used for providing power to more farmers.

"Our goal is to provide uninterrupted power supply to farmers even during day time," he said. Fadnavis said that the scheme would save the state government money. The state government has to purchase electricity at Rs 6 and supply it to farmers at Rs 1.20 to Rs 1.60 per unit, causing a loss of Rs 3-3.50 per unit.

"Instead of the prevailing tariff of Rs 6, solar energy tariff will be between Rs 2.72 and Rs 3.10. The state government will save Rs 3 per unit," he said.

A large part of government expenditure goes into subsidising electricity for various sections of society including farmers.

"Similarly, the government will spend less on subsidies, including cross subsidies, for industrial consumers," Fadnavis said.

He said that high-voltage distribution scheme will be used to provide electric connections to agriculture pumps, including solar pumps, benefiting 2.5 lakh consumers in the state.