75% subsidy on farm solar pumps to phase out diesel

Gurugram: Farmers using diesel pumps can switch to solar ones at 75% government subsidy, if they meet certain criteria on how they irrigate their fields. The department of new and renewable energy has decided to offer this scheme for solar-powered pumps ranging from 3hp to 10hp.

The administration noted that the use of diesel-operated pumps has been increasingly becoming an environmental hazard and adding to the declining air quality in the city. Moreover, the cost of operations is also on the higher side, which puts additional pressure on farmers who are anyway struggling with profit margins from their produce.

“To mitigate environmental and economic challenges, use of pumps working on solar energy is the need of the hour,” additional deputy commissioner Imran Raza said. “Thus, to promote this environmentally sustainable irrigation technique, the department of new and renewable energy has decided to grant 75% subsidy on 3hp, 5hp, 7.5hp and 10hp solar-powered pumps,” he added.

According to the department, the facility will be available to farmers who have dug a small pond in their field and use micro-irrigation techniques like fountains or drips. “It is mandatory to have ponds in the fields along with micro irrigation techniques to avail of this subsidy,” Raza said.

In case the department receives a large number of applications, solar pumps will be distributed through a draw system. Farmers can apply from any Saral Kendra or Atal Seva Kendra.

Source: english.urjakhabar