Expansion of Irrigation Facilities through Solar Sujala Scheme

Farmers Benefiting from Dual Crops Using Solar Pumps

Raipur, Oct 2025: The Chhattisgarh government is successfully implementing the Solar Sujala Scheme with the aim of making farmers self-reliant and economically empowered. Under this scheme, farmers are being provided with solar-powered pumps, enabling irrigation even in rain-dependent fields. As a result, farmers are now cultivating two crops a year, effectively doubling their income.

In the village of Jharaa under Ramchandrapur block, farmer Muneshwar Prasad Yadav has transformed his farming practices through the benefits of the Solar Sujala Scheme. He owns five acres of land, of which only two acres were previously irrigated. With the help of the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), he installed a solar pump, making it possible to irrigate his entire farmland.

Mr. Yadav now cultivates not only paddy but also green vegetables. He shared that earlier, during the kharif season, his income was around ₹60,000, but after installing the solar pump, his annual earnings have increased to nearly ₹1 lakh. He noted that earlier, rain-fed farming was risky and uncertain, but with uninterrupted irrigation through the Solar Sujala Scheme, farming has become more profitable and sustainable. Now, he grows crops during both rabi and kharif seasons and earns additional income through vegetable cultivation.

Under Phase 9 of the Solar Sujala Scheme, Balrampur district has been allotted a target of 300 solar pumps. Interested farmers can avail the benefits of the scheme by applying through their Rural Agriculture Extension Officer, CREDA office, or Deputy Director of Agriculture office. They must submit documents such as Aadhaar card, land ownership record (khasra), certified map, caste certificate, photocopy of bank passbook, photographs of the proposed installation site, and pay an application fee (₹3,000 for 3 HP pumps and ₹4,800 for 5 HP pumps).

The scheme continues to expand irrigation coverage across the state, promoting renewable energy use and improving the livelihoods of farmers.