JAKEDA holds awareness program on PM-KUSUM Scheme at Reasi; Solar irrigation to pave way for doubling farmers’ income: CEO
REASI : A one day awareness camp on contours of PM-KUSUM scheme was today organized for farmers of district Reasi by Jammu & Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) here at Conference Hall, DC Office Complex.
The event was chaired by Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, Babila Rakwal in presence of Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Charandeep Singh.
The occasion marked the launch of installation of solar power Agriculture pumps in the District under “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Uthan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana”
The DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, Additional District Development Commissioner, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief horticulture Officer and other officers of agriculture and horticulture departments, PRIs and progressive farmers were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, the CEO JAKEDA said that the Solar backed irrigation mechanism being introduced under the PM-KUSUM scheme is bound to transform the agriculture sector and also enhance the livelihood of small to marginal farmers.
The scheme launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Government of India envisages distribution of subsidized Solar powered Agricultural pumps. She informed that in the first phase 5000 solar powered pumps shall be installed in J&K out of which 2500 will be installed in the current fiscal. She further informed that solar powered Agriculture pumps in the capacity range of 2 HP to 10 HP shall be installed in J&K UT.
The scheme provides for 50% subsidy from the Central Government, 30% from Government of J&K and only 20% as farmers share with a 05 year warranty.
While addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Charandeep Singh exhorted upon DDCs, BDCs, PRIs and district officers to sensitize the farmers about the scheme and encourage them to reap maximum benefits by facilitating them in form filling and by disseminating correct information. DC appreciated and thanked the CEO for holding the awareness camp and assured full cooperation in the successful implementation of the scheme. DC further said that the changing environmental conditions have added to farmers’ woes and It is thus critical to look into ways which can enhance environment conservation strategies and such innovative initiatives of the Government ensures Environment protection thereby empowering the farmers in addressing their issues related to electricity and water supply ensuring Growth and Development in the Rural areas. The DC also said that PM-KUSUM is a major step towards having Green irrigation.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) project intends to give farmers greater financial security as well as more sustainable water access by generating solar electricity on their farms.
Later, an interactive session was also held in which various technical and non technical queries raised by PRIs, farmers were addressed by technical experts of JAKEDA.