Bijnor: Extremely distressed over unscheduled power cuts in the district, the farmers are now increasingly looking towards solar-powered water pumps.
Under the state government initiative, solar pump voltaic irrigation pump scheme launched in 2015-16, farmers are provided 60% subsidy on solar water pumps used for irrigation. However, it hit a roadblock during Covid-19 pandemic, said officials.
Now, with the new price list launched under the scheme this year, the rates have gone up by 16%.
Talking to TOI, Naresh Kumar, a farmer from Syohara Girdhar village said, “Government should provide more subsidies on solar energy pumps so that more farmers can purchase them. Solar energy is the best alternative in such conditions. Government should give subsidies on 7.5HP (horse power) and 10HP solar pumps as they will be able to extract more water in a short time and help farmers irrigate their crops.”
Now, a 2 HP solar pump will cost Rs 57,810 even after subsidy as compared to Rs 49,442 in 2020-21. Similarly, a 3HP solar pump will now cost Rs 77,806, a hike from Rs 67,748, and the cost of 5HP solar pump will now be Rs 1, 09,255 as opposed to Rs 94,764 in 2020-21.
Besides, the subsidised cost of 7.5 HP and 10 HP solar pumps are Rs 1,48,850 and Rs 1,85,722 respectively.
Meanwhile, deputy director of agriculture department, Girish Chand said, “The solar pump subsidy scheme had hit a roadblock during Covid pandemic due to lack of funds. It will come into existence from June this year. We have got a new price list of pumps for this year.”
“However, there is only a little hike in the prices, which is because of the GST slab. Government is providing a 60% subsidy to the farmers under the scheme. Farmers can afford the prices easily. Solar pumps are proving to be a boon for the farmers,” he added.
Source: PTI
