MNRE approves solar pump projects for farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, solar pump projects have been approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Launched in March 2019, the program seeks to increase farmers’ revenue through the use of solar energy and lessen reliance on diesel-powered agricultural pumps.
The plan, which is being carried out by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s Electricity Department, consists of 436 individual grid-connected solar pumps under Component-C (Individual Pump Solarization, or IPS) for the fiscal year 2024–2025 and 34 standalone solar pumps under Component-B. In off-grid locations, Component-B facilitates the replacement of current diesel irrigation systems with standalone solar agriculture pumps. Small and marginal farmers, especially those who use micro-irrigation, are given priority. Although Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will only cover the payment for a 7.5 HP pump, pumps with more power may be allowed.
According to MNRE specifications, the maximum solar PV capacity (in kW) is constrained by the pump capacity (in HP). Component-C of the scheme aims to solarize agricultural pumps, providing reliable daytime power to farmers. Farmers can sell surplus solar power to the Electricity Department, enabling irrigation and surplus energy sale. The scheme includes a 50% central subsidy, 20% self-financing, and a 30% Union Territory subsidy. More details can be obtained from the Electricity Department.
