- “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, farmers are provided with permanent irrigation facilities, cost of cultivation is reduced and rural economy is strengthened.”
The Saur Sujala Yojana is playing a vital role in promoting the prosperity of farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector in Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is continuously striving to provide better irrigation facilities to farmers, increase agricultural production, and enhance their income. As a result of this approach, the use of solar energy is now becoming an effective means of irrigating fields.
Launched in the state on November 1, 2016, the Solar Sujala Yojana aims to increase the irrigation capacity of agricultural land and provide irrigation facilities in areas without electricity. Under the scheme, 3 HP and 5 HP solar irrigation pumps are being installed on farmers’ fields. These pumps include solar modules and controllers.
- “Low-cost irrigation facilities for farmers”
The Saur Sujala Yojana has emerged as a strong option for affordable irrigation for farmers. The average cost of a 3 HP solar pump is approximately ₹2.64 lakh, and the average cost of a 5 HP pump is approximately ₹3.64 lakh. The scheme determines beneficiary contributions based on farmer categories, allowing farmers to access solar irrigation facilities at a low cost.
For a 3 HP pump, the contribution for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries is ₹7,000, for Other Backward Classes ₹12,000, and for the General Category ₹18,000. Similarly, for a 5 HP pump, the beneficiary contribution is ₹10,000, ₹15,000, and ₹20,000, respectively. Additionally, a prescribed processing fee is payable.
- ‘Irrigation in fields, crop diversification and increase in income’
Solar irrigation pumps relieve farmers from dependence on electricity for irrigation. Especially in tribal and remote areas where electricity access is limited, solar pumps are becoming the basis of perennial irrigation facility for farmers. With the availability of irrigation, farmers are not limited to paddy only but are moving towards cultivation of maize, wheat, pulses-oilseeds, sugarcane and various types of vegetables and horticultural crops. This is diversifying the farming and also creating new opportunities for increasing the income of farmers.
- Water conservation is also an important aspect of the “Better Integration of Water Conservation and Solar Energy”
scheme. The scheduled extraction of groundwater through solar irrigation pumps also helps in groundwater conservation and enrichment. Thus, the integration of solar energy and water conservation is leading farmers towards sustainable agriculture.
Solar pumps are also being installed in cow sheds and pastures for drinking water, irrigation, and other essential uses for livestock. This not only promotes the use of solar energy in rural areas but also supports livestock and agriculture-based activities.
- Five-year warranty, insurance, and maintenance coverage
is available. Solar irrigation pumps and installed equipment are covered by a five-year, unconditional, on-site warranty. Five-year insurance coverage is also available. In the event of theft, damage, or breakdown, the plant can be repaired as per the prescribed regulations. Five-year operation, maintenance, and maintenance coverage is also provided for solar irrigation plants. The installed plants are inspected by the respective district, regional, and zonal offices of CREDA.
- For the convenience of beneficiaries, a toll-free number, 18001234591, is available for filing complaints
related to solar pumps. Complaints are monitored through an online portal, and the relevant installing unit resolves them within the stipulated timeframe.
- To benefit from the “Transparent Process from Application to Installation,”
the farmer must have their own agricultural land and an adequate water source. Interested farmers can obtain applications from the relevant village servant, the Agriculture Department office, or the CREDA office. After the Agriculture Department reviews and recommends applications, CREDA conducts a site survey and assesses the pump’s capacity and type. After receiving the designated beneficiary share and processing fee, installation approval is issued, and the solar pump is installed by the relevant entity.
- “Farmers’ prosperity is strengthening the village economy.”
The state government’s farmer-friendly policies, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, are aimed at making agriculture profitable and robust. The Saur Sujala Yojana is an important step in this direction, transforming solar energy into the energy of farmers’ prosperity.
Irrigation facilities are increasing production, encouraging crop diversification, and providing farmers with opportunities for additional income. This is not only bringing positive changes to farmers’ lives but also strengthening the rural economy. The Saur Sujala Yojana is becoming a significant initiative towards realizing the vision of self-reliant and prosperous farmers in Chhattisgarh through better coordination of energy, water, and agriculture.