Bihar’s Agricultural Feeder Solarization Scheme Gains Strong Support from Farmers
The Agricultural Feeder Solarization Scheme in Bihar has received tremendous support from farmers. Under this scheme, farmers can install solar power plants on their land or earn income by renting it. The government aims to provide cheap and reliable electricity to farmers. This initiative will not only increase agricultural production but will also provide farmers a stable income source for 25 years.
Energy Department Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar Pal said that the Feeder Solarization Scheme is an important initiative for farmers. This scheme will provide cheap, reliable and daytime electricity to farmers, which will reduce their irrigation costs and increase agricultural production. This scheme also gives farmers an opportunity to earn additional income by installing solar plants on their land, which will strengthen their economic condition. At the same time, from an environmental point of view, this initiative will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions, thereby controlling the effects of climate change. Solar energy is a clean, renewable and long-term energy source, which will not only make the agricultural sector self-reliant but will also promote green and sustainable development.
Under this scheme, Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited is solarizing 3681 agricultural/mixed feeders. For this purpose, power purchase agreement has been executed for solar power plants of 17.68 MW capacity at 6 power substations. At the same time, for the second phase, tenders were invited for solarization at 1121 power substations, in which 113 tenderers participated and applications have been received for 222 PSS.
Under the solar project, about 4 acres of land is required to install a 1 MW solar plant. Financial assistance is also being provided by the government under this scheme, in which the Central Government is giving a grant of ₹ 1.05 crore per MW and the Bihar Government is giving ₹ 45 lakh per MW. Apart from this, loan facility is also being provided to the farmers by the banks.
This solar energy based scheme will also give strength to the visionary thinking of the Honorable Chief Minister, "Jal Jeevan Hariyali" campaign, which will prove to be a milestone for Bihar in future.
