Rohtak: As the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 approach, one factor gaining significant attention is the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) scheme (Solar water pumping scheme). This solar energy initiative has proved to be a game-changer for farmers across the State, significantly reducing their irrigation costs and boosting their incomes.
Under this scheme, farmers are equipped with solar panels, allowing them to harness solar energy for their agricultural needs. These solar panels are primarily used to power water pumps, reducing their reliance on diesel-based pumps. As a result, farmers save significantly money, which has been a major expense in irrigation. By switching to solar power, farmers not only lower their operational costs but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable farming practice. This has led to an increase in their income, while also promoting clean energy in the agricultural sector.
This scheme include de-dieselisation of the farm sector, providing water and energy security to farmers, increasing the income of farmers and curbing environmental pollution. The scheme has the following targets:
- Component ‘A’: 10 GW capacity through installation of small solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW on the barren/fallow land of farmers;
- Component ‘B’: Installation of 20 lakh standalone off-grid solar water pumps; and
- Component ‘C’: Solarization of 15 lakh existing grid-connected agriculture pumps and through feeder level solarization (FLS).
According to a government report from August 1, 2023, in Haryana, 55,751 farmers have benefited from this scheme, and the government has released funds amounting to Rs 375.55 crore for it.
Under Component B, solar panels have been sanctioned for 2,52,655 farmers, and they have been installed in the fields of 55,749 farmers. However, since this report is from 2023, the numbers must have increased by now.
To avail the benefits of this scheme, farmers need to apply online, and upon selection, solar panels will be installed at their fields. Additionally, they receive up to 75 per cent subsidy for the installation.
During our coverage of the Haryana assembly elections, we heard from many people that solar power has greatly benefited them, and they are very happy with it.
The success of this initiative becomes especially clear when we observed it firsthand.
During the journey from Rohtak to Hisar, the Organiser team observed a notable presence of solar panels in the fields. Initially, we thought solar panels were mainly installed on house rooftops, but seeing them spread across agricultural land sparked curiosity about their purpose in the fields.
We decided to stop and engage with a few young farmers sitting by their fields to understand the reason behind installing these solar panels in agricultural areas.
Upon speaking with the farmers, we learned that solar panels in fields of Haryana is very common nowadays and they serve several crucial purposes. Primarily, they are used for agricultural solar pumping systems, where solar energy powers irrigation pumps, reducing reliance on traditional electricity and diesel-powered systems. This method has proven especially beneficial in areas where electricity supply is irregular.
The farmers explained that the installation of solar panels offers multiple advantages:
- Cost Efficiency: Solar energy significantly reduces electricity costs and fuel expenses for irrigation.
- Sustainability: Using renewable solar energy is environmentally friendly and helps reduce carbon emissions and also reduces pollution.
- Additional Income: In some cases, farmers can sell excess solar power back to the grid, providing an additional source of income.
These factors have made solar panels a valuable investment for farmers in Haryana, contributing to both agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Ajay Nandal, a farmer from Nigana village, Rohtak, shared his experience of using solar panels in his fields with Organiser, saying, “With the solar panels, I save around Rs 30,000 every year. My expenses on diesel have decreased drastically, which has increased my income. This has been a huge relief for us as farmers.”
Ajay Nanda also mentioned that many farmers install the solar panels on their (Trolley) tractors and then take it home to use for household electricity, which is wrong. The government should take action on this to prevent such practices.
“Solar panels in agricultural fields are indeed paving the way for a greener and more efficient future in farming”, Ajay’s brother Sumit Nandal said.
Sachin Gujjar, another farmer from the same village, also praised the scheme, highlighting how it has significantly reduced his expenses. “The solar panels have brought down our irrigation costs.
Additionally, if the panels are damaged or stolen, they come with a 25-year guarantee, and the Government replaces them. I also received a subsidy of Rs27,000 on this. It’s a win-win for us,” he said.
However, Sachin expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP Government’s overall governance. When asked about his political preferences for the upcoming elections, he remarked, “We want Hooda as the Chief Minister. Under Khattar’s rule, everything has gone online, which has only increased corruption. The people of Haryana do not understand these portal-based systems. The offline system was much better.”
Nigana village comes under the Kalanaur assembly constituency, where Shakuntala Khatak is contesting from the Congress. Yet, it seems that her candidacy is overshadowed by the popularity of Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Many villagers told Organiser that they would vote for whoever Hooda endorses. One villager said, “We don’t know who Shakuntala Khatak is, but whoever Hooda supports, will win. There’s a Hooda wave in Haryana right now.”
To measure the election atmosphere further, Organiser team took a ride from Kalanaur to Kanaur village using a Haryana Roadways bus, lifeline for the people of the state. The team interacted with passengers and gathered varied opinions on the upcoming elections.
Dharambir, a resident of Pataudi, praised the BJP Government’s work, particularly in infrastructure development. “We didn’t have electricity before, but now we do. The roads have also improved drastically, making travel much easier. BJP has provided us with the Kisan Nidhi and affordable urea, which has been a big help for us farmers.”
Satpal Singh Parmar, a retired bank manager from Kalinga village stated that the BJP had done commendable work in Bhiwani. “The BJP will win from Bhiwani. People here are big supporters of Modi and Yogi. Manohar Lal Khattar has done a great job over the last 10 years. Roads have improved, pensions for the elderly are given on time, and most importantly, people are getting Government jobs and admissions in colleges without having to pay bribes.”
Satpal Parmar’s wife, Seema said, “Congress will not win in Haryana. The BJP will make a hat-trick. Congress is just making noise, there’s no more bribery in Haryana now, and that’s why people trust the BJP.”
Chetan Sharma, a resident of Rewari said, “Manohar Lal Khattar has done an excellent work. There’s no more bribery, and processes are now transparent. But here unemployment is a big issue and the Government needs to focus on that.”
A group of girl students from Sat Jinda Kalyana college in Kalanaur, who regularly commute by bus, expressed their support for the BJP government, particularly for improving safety for women. “We feel safe even while traveling late at night, which wasn’t always the case earlier,” they told Organiser.
The political landscape of Haryana seems divided between rural and urban areas. In urban region, the BJP enjoys strong support, with many people saying that the party will secure a third consecutive victory. However, in rural area Bhupinder Singh Hooda remains a dominant figure, with many hoping for his return after 10 years.
