TANGEDCO to give solar pumps to farmers

According to the top officials of the TANGEDCO, it is done to encourage use of alternative power sources thereby reducing the reliance on conventional power. The project envisages provision of 1,000 solar-powered pumps initially. “The solar pumping system can be of 5, 7.5 and 10 HP capacity. But, the catch is that farmers opting for this scheme will have to give up participation in the state government’s free power scheme,” officials added. 

The scheme will be implemented with financial assistance from the Union government’s Ministry of Non-renewable Energy (MNRE) and the state government. While the farmer’s contribution will be 10 per cent of the cost involved, MNRE subsidy will be 20 per cent with another 40 per cent being provided by the state government’s Agricultural Engineering Department. 

TANGEDCO will also contribute with a 30 per cent subsidy, which will be restricted to only those opting for 5 HP pumps. Though farmers can opt for pumps with higher horsepower, subsidy will be available only for 5 HP solar pumps, officials added. 

Those opting for the scheme will automatically have their free power registration cancelled, officials said and added that project beneficiaries will be identified jointly by TANGEDCO and the Agricultural Engineering Department. Beneficiaries will be chosen after a techno-feasibility study undertaken by the AE department covering various aspects, including suitability of the site, open well/bore well depth, pumping water level and the needed shade free area for erection of solar panels, officials said. 

Companies shortlisted for this work will be paid by the AE Department after the submission of the joint commissioning report satisfying all specifications. Necessary budget provision for the project will be made in the state government’s revised estimate for the current financial year, officials noted.