The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has embarked on a landmark mission to revolutionize rural irrigation by installing 10,895 solar-powered irrigation pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM Kusum) scheme. This initiative seeks to tackle critical challenges faced by marginal farmers, such as unreliable water sources and high electricity costs, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Progress and Achievements
As of now, TREDA has successfully installed 3,616 solar pumps, which have brought assured irrigation to 7,232 acres of farmland and directly benefited 3,616 marginal farmers. The agency’s efforts are significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing the state’s dependency on conventional energy sources.
In its next phase, TREDA plans to install an additional 5,051 pumps, with the remaining 2,264 units scheduled for deployment soon. Once completed, the project is expected to provide irrigation access to 21,790 acres of farmland across rural Tripura. This ambitious target will offer a lifeline to farmers struggling with water scarcity, enabling them to cultivate their land more effectively.
Affordable Solar Solutions for Farmers
The PM Kusum scheme provides substantial subsidies, ensuring that solar pumps remain affordable for marginal farmers. For instance, a 1 horsepower (HP) pump costs farmers only ₹10,000 of its total price of ₹1.39 lakh, while a 2 HP pump costs ₹15,000 against its market price of ₹1.77 lakh. This affordability ensures wider adoption of the technology, particularly among smallholder farmers who often face financial constraints.
Long-Term Sustainability and Impact
The solar pumps come with a lifespan of up to 25 years, offering farmers assured irrigation without incurring electricity costs. For those without access to water sources, the scheme also includes provisions to establish new irrigation facilities at subsidized rates. Beyond immediate economic benefits, this initiative contributes to the state government’s goal of doubling agricultural productivity in rural areas by ensuring a reliable and sustainable irrigation system.
The Road Ahead
TREDA’s solar pump initiative aligns closely with India’s broader renewable energy and sustainability goals. By reducing reliance on conventional power sources and lowering carbon emissions, the program not only addresses the energy needs of farmers but also contributes to environmental conservation. The expansion of solar-powered irrigation systems in Tripura is a step toward creating a resilient agricultural ecosystem, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security for the region.
TREDA’s ambitious project under the PM Kusum scheme is a game-changer for Tripura’s rural farmers. By combining affordable solar technology with sustainable irrigation practices, the initiative addresses key challenges in agriculture while promoting economic and environmental well-being. With continued efforts and timely implementation, this model can inspire similar projects across India, fostering a brighter future for the agricultural community.
