Ranchi: Farmers of the state are all-praise about solar-powered pumps which have redefined agricultural work for them in a cost-effective manner.
Participating in an interactive session organized by SitwchOn Foundation and JREDA jointly on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day on Wednesday, farmers said switching to solar pumps has been economically prudent for them for agricultural purposes.
Talking to TOI, Mariam Malto, a farmer from Sahebganj, said, “In the past, we faced a great deal of difficulty in agricultural work due to lack of adequate water facilities. The installation of solar water pumps has been of great assistance to us, and their cost-effectiveness has helped us in achieving our goals. This makes it easier for us to collect water for agricultural purposes. We should be committed to shifting the energy load of agricultural activities to solar power because it is more convenient and promotes sustainable development.”
Ruth Malto, another farmer, stated, “We’ve been using solar water pumps for two years now and it’s so much easier than using a rope to draw water. Since the installation of solar water pumps, we are able to irrigate our agricultural land in a more effective manner during the summer months, when the water level in conventional pumps decreases.” Bijay Kumar Sinha, project director of Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA), said farmers of the state have received solar water pumps as part of The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Yojna that aims to increase farmers’ income, provide irrigation sources and de-dieselize the agricultural sector.
Talking about the benefits of solar pumps and how farmers can utilise them for increased production and energy conservation, Sinha said, “Solar pumps play a crucial role in ensuring economic and environmental benefits for the state by providing reliable and affordable irrigation to millions of farmers in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. Distributed renewable energy contributes to the establishment of an ecosystem that promotes, implements and develops applications. India has taken significant steps towards its transition to clean energy. While India’s energy needs are expected to increase, the next generation will inherit a better environment if we prioritise energy efficiency, affordability, supply security and climate.”
Source: PTI
