Solar Power to Reduce Electricity Tariffs: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra has become the state with the highest use of solar energy in agriculture in the country. By converting farmers’ feeders to solar power, we will generate an independent 16,000 megawatts of electricity. Because of this, we will be able to reduce electricity tariffs for other users by 3 per cent every year and provide cheaper electricity to consumers, assured Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while speaking here today.

45,911 Agricultural Pumps in One Month

Under the ‘Magel Tyala Solar Krushi Pump’ scheme, Maharashtra has created a world record. Mahavitaran achieved the milestone of installing 45,911 solar agricultural pumps in a single month. This record has been successfully entered into the Guinness Book. The Guinness Book World Record certification ceremony was held today at the Auric City ground in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present as the chief guest at this ceremony. Karl Saville from the Guinness Book of World Records was also present to officially announce the world record.

On this occasion, State Minister for OBC Welfare and Renewable Energy Atul Save, Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, Legislative Council Member Sanjay Kenekar, MLAs Anuradha Chavan, Narayan Kuche, Prashant Bamb, Suresh Dhas, Chief Minister’s Economic Advisor and Director of MITRA Pravin Pardeshi, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Abha Shukla, Mahavitaran Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra, Joint Managing Director Aditya Jivne, Deputy Secretary (Energy) Narayan Karad, Independent Director Vishwas Pathak, Director Sachin Talewar (Operations/Projects), Yogesh Gadkari (Commercial), Rajendra Pawar (Human Resources), Executive Director Dhananjay Aundhkar, Chief Engineer Pawankumar Kachot, as well as actors Sandeep Pathak, Yogesh Shirsat and other dignitaries were present.

Judge Karl Saville Announced the Record

At the beginning, the Chief Minister inaugurated the digital launch of solar agricultural pumps in the state and interacted with beneficiary farmers through video conferencing. After that, Guinness Book record inspection judge Karl Saville announced the record. He then presented the certificate and medal to the dignitaries. An agreement was signed with the AIIM Bank, which is providing financial assistance for the solar agricultural pump scheme. Bank representative Pratyush Mishra and Mahavitaran officials signed the agreement.

Karl Saville said that for the record, it was necessary to install 35,000 pumps, but in reality 45,911 pumps were installed, which is a world record. He said that this record has been certified only after verification at every stage from installation to commissioning of each pump.

Maharashtra Will Not Stop

In his speech, Chief Minister Fadnavis first thanked the people of the state on the completion of one year of the government. This was a year dedicated to the people. Schemes were launched and implemented to bring fundamental change in everyone’s life. Maharashtra will not stop and will continue to move forward, he expressed with confidence.

Increase in Capacity to Install Solar Pumps

Shri Fadnavis said that while facing severe drought, there was always a problem of water and electricity. Due to the Jalyukt Shivar scheme, water became available, but because of electricity problems, farmers faced difficulties in irrigation. The main demand was to get electricity during the daytime. Going to farms late at night involved the fear of poisonous creatures and animals. Therefore, the government decided on a policy to shift farmers’ feeders to solar energy. Under this, a scheme of one lakh solar pumps was planned. This scheme was so successful that other states were advised through the Centre to implement it exactly in the same way. Accordingly, the Central Government’s ‘KUSUM’ scheme was prepared. Under this scheme, the highest number of 7 lakh pumps have been installed in the country by this state. From the time farmers place their demand to the installation of pumps, the capacity has been increased and the waiting period has been reduced. Because of the hard work of Mahavitaran employees, officers, all suppliers’ staff and technicians, this world record has become possible today. Now, we will break our own record, he expressed with confidence. He also instructed officials that within the next one year, the number of solar agricultural pumps should reach 10 lakh.

Capacity to Produce 16,000 Megawatts of Electricity Through Solar Energy

Shri Fadnavis said that by increasing the use of solar energy in this way, we can generate an independent 16,000 megawatts of electricity for farmers. Moreover, this electricity generation will be without any pollution. Since its production cost is low, electricity required for other sectors will be available in abundance and at cheaper rates. Therefore, electricity tariffs will be reduced by 3 per cent every year, he announced.

A New Direction to the Energy Sector

Shri Fadnavis further said that due to the increased use of solar energy, one lakh people including solar equipment manufacturing companies, vendors, workers and maintenance personnel have got employment. Therefore, this scheme is giving a new direction to the energy sector.

Marathwada’s Contribution Is Significant

While praising Marathwada, Shri Fadnavis said that Marathwada has taken the lead in implementing this scheme. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district alone, 14,000 pumps have been installed. Through the Nanasaheb Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Yojana, the government is trying to make agriculture sustainable by providing other benefits and market availability to farmers. Through river-linking projects and similar initiatives, flood water will be diverted to Marathwada, Vidarbha and North Maharashtra to make these regions drought-free. With all these measures, agriculture will become prosperous and sustainable. Our government is dedicated to farmers and we will continue our efforts until agriculture becomes fully sustainable, he assured the gathering.

Minister of State Meghna Bordikar and Minister Atul Save also interacted with those present and expressed confidence that the solar agricultural pump scheme will bring major changes in the farming sector and the economy. Chief Minister Fadnavis also visited and inspected the exhibition of solar energy products set up at the venue.

The introductory address was delivered by Lokesh Chandra, while the vote of thanks was given by Neeta Pansare. The programme was anchored by Neeta Pansare, Ashwini Dasharath and Preshit Rudravatar.