To make the shift to solar power pumps attractive, said power minister Raj Kumar Singh, the capacity of the solar panels will be double that of the present pumps, which would help farmers sell at least 50% of the electricity generated. Photo: Ramesh PathaniaThe solar power pumps scheme announced in the budget to improve farmer income and reduce dependence on diesel pumps will involve an expenditure of about Rs1.4 trillion, power minister Raj Kumar Singh said on Friday. Surplus electricity generated by farmers will be bought by state electricity distribution companies (discoms) and will help boost the country’s emerging green economy. To make the shift to solar power pumps attractive, said Singh, the capacity of the solar panels will be double that of the present pumps, which would help farmers sell at least 50% of the electricity generated. The scheme will start with 1.75 million off-grid agricultural solar pumps.

Source: Mint February 02, 2018 18:56 UTC