(a) the number of solar water pumps that have been distributed to the farmers during the last three years and the percentage of land that was brought under irrigation by these pumps, State/UT wise;
(b) whether solar water pumps are feasible to the farmers having small land holdings;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to increase the use of solar water pumps?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY, POWER and MoS for SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
(SHRI R.K. SINGH)
(a) During last three years and current year, till 31.10.2019, total 1.81 lakh standalone solar pumps have been installed throughout the country under schemes being implemented by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. State/ UT-wise number of solar pumps installed is placed at Annexure.
The area of land brought under irrigation through these solar pumps depends upon several factors including capacity of pump, type of crop, ground water level, etc. In general, a 5 HP capacity solar water pump linked with micro irrigation system covers an area of 2.5 hectares for irrigation.
(b) to (d) Under Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme priority would be given to small and marginal farmers for installation of solar water pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity for which central financial assistance (CFA) of 30% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, of the stand-alone solar pump is provided. The State Government also provides subsidy up to 30% or higher. Higher CFA of 50% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, is provided in case of North Eastern states including Sikkim; states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; and island UTs of Lakshadweep and A&N.
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