Solar Sujala Yojana Becomes a Boon for Farmers

1,222 Farmers in Baranwapara Forest Area Benefit from Solar Irrigation Pumps

Raipur : For decades after independence, farmers in Baranwapara, Balodabazar district struggled without access to traditional electricity for irrigation. However, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government’s Solar Sujala Yojana has emerged as a blessing for these farmers. So far, the CREDA department has installed solar irrigation pumps in the fields of 1,222 farmers, enabling them to cultivate their land without worries and achieve profitable farming.

Under the Solar Sujala Yojana, Baranwapara region has seen the installation of three types of solar pumps:

• 3 pumps of 2 HP
• 615 pumps of 3 HP
• 604 pumps of 5 HP

This initiative has proved to be a lifeline for farmers who had no access to electricity or other irrigation resources.

Increased Incomes and Enhanced Crop Production

Nityanand, a farmer from Debi village, shared that his annual income was only ₹25,000–₹30,000 due to a lack of irrigation facilities. However, after getting a solar pump, he has expanded his cultivation to include paddy, potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables, increasing his earnings three to four times. Similarly, farmers like Banshram Chauhan, Basant Kumar Kaivartya, Amru Ram, Dhaniram Binjhwar, and Gauri Bai Diwan have also seen a remarkable rise in their incomes.

Previously, farmers relied on diesel pumps to draw water from rivers and streams, spending a significant portion of their income on fuel. Now, with solar pumps available at just ₹24,800, this financial burden has been lifted.

Affordable Solar Pumps for Farmers

The Chhattisgarh government is providing solar pumps at subsidized rates, making them more affordable compared to market prices. The contribution required from farmers varies by category:

• For a 3 HP pump:
  • ₹10,000 for SC/ST farmers
  • ₹15,000 for OBC farmers
  • ₹21,000 for General category farmers
• For a 5 HP pump:
  • ₹15,000 for SC/ST farmers
  • ₹20,000 for OBC farmers
  • ₹25,000 for General category farmers

So far, 5,198 solar pumps have been installed across Balodabazar district.

How Farmers Can Apply

Farmers interested in benefiting from the Solar Sujala Yojana can apply through the Agriculture Department, Rural Agricultural Extension Officers, or the CREDA department. Water sources such as rivers, streams, wells, and borewells are prioritized for irrigation.

By offering a cost-effective and sustainable irrigation solution, the Chhattisgarh government is empowering farmers and ensuring better agricultural productivity for the future.