Telangana Chief Minister Introduces Indira Soura Giri Irrigation Development: Subsidized Solar Pump Program for Indigenous Agriculturalists
India's Telangana State Empowers Tribal Farmers with Free Solar-Powered Irrigation
In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture, the government of Telangana has launched the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme. The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, aims to provide free solar-powered electric pumps to tribal farmers for irrigation purposes.
The scheme is not related to PM-KUSUM, a government initiative offering a 75% subsidy for solar pump installation. Instead, it targets the irrigation of horticultural crops in remote areas without conventional electricity, particularly in the Rights of Forest Records (RoFR) land.
The first year of the scheme will allocate Rs 600 crore to irrigate 27,000 acres, benefiting 10,000 farmers. Each solar pump, costing Rs 6 lakh, will be fully subsidized by the state government. The scheme aims to reach 2.1 lakh tribal farmers and bring irrigation facilities to six lakh acres of RoFR land over five years.
A pilot project of the scheme is already underway in Macharam village, Nagarkurnool district, where 45 acres are being irrigated by solar pumps, benefiting 45 tribal families. The scheme is also set to distribute solar pumps across the entire Achampet Assembly constituency within the next 100 days.
The Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme is a key component of the 'Nallamala Declaration', a 12-point developmental plan for tribal communities residing in forest areas, which was unveiled by the Chief Minister. The state government will fund the entire project, with a total financial outlay of Rs 13,200 crore.
The initiative aligns with Telangana’s focus on sustainable farming practices by utilizing solar energy for irrigation, reducing dependence on conventional power sources, and supporting the livelihoods of tribal farmers in the state. The Chief Minister has also directed officials to prepare plans for setting up solar power plants through women's self-help groups, which will provide additional income and contribute to the state's renewable energy goals.
In the year 2020-21, around 15,000 solar pumps were installed in the state, adding about 105 MW of solar capacity. With the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme, Telangana continues to lead the way in promoting solar energy and sustainable agriculture in India.
[1] News Article 1 [2] News Article 2 [3] News Article 3 [4] News Article 4 [5] Government Press Release
- The Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme, a key focus of India's Telangana State, extends beyond agriculture to also support the health-and-wellness of tribal communities by reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, ensuring a safer and more sustainable environment.
- Recognizing the potential of solar energy in promoting sustainable growth, the financial sector is increasingly investing in renewable energy projects such as the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme, contributing to India's environmental-science and overall industry development.
- To maximize the benefits of the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme, the government is exploring partnerships with health-and-wellness providers to offer preventive healthcare services and nutrition programs for participating tribal farmers, further enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
