(a): whether the Government proposes to subsidize solar pumps for farmers across the country;
(b): if so, the details thereof along with the quantum of subsidy; and
(c): the other steps taken by the Government to promote the farm activities using solar power in rural areas of the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY (I/C)
(SHRI R.K. SINGH)
(a) & (b): Under the Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Applications Programme, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy provides financial support up to 30% of the benchmark cost to the farmers for installation of solar water pumping system as detailed below:
S. No. Capacity of Solar Pump Financial support
1. Up to 1 HP 30% of benchmark cost
2. Above 1 HP and up to 3 HP 25% of benchmark cost
3. Above 3 HP and up to 5 HP 20% of benchmark cost
(c): Under UNDP-GEF project, the Ministry is supporting development of Renewable Energy Technology Packages for Rural Livelihoods and the sectors broadly identified include horticulture, dairy, poultry, fisheries, handicrafts (bamboo/weaving) and other village industries.
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