State to initiate talks with Centre to implement KUSUM-A scheme: Min
Chikkamagaluru:
Energy Minister KJ George
said that the state govt is planning to initiate talks with Union govt to implement the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme (KUSUM-A). The scheme is designed to promote local generation and consumption of solar power, particularly among farmers and rural communities.
George disclosed this during the inauguration of the Amrit Mahotsava programme at the TAPCMS in Kadur. He mentioned that the KUSUM-B scheme (solar-powered agricultural pumpsets) and the KUSUM-C scheme (solarisation of agricultural feeders) are being implemented in the state. In addition, there are plans to introduce the
KUSUM-A scheme
as well.
He stated that the KUSUM-A scheme allows farmers, farmer groups, cooperative societies, panchayats, farmer producer organisations, and water user associations to set up solar power plants with capacities ranging from 500 kilowatts to a maximum of two megawatts, located within 5 kms of electricity substations. They can use the electricity generated, and the govt will purchase any surplus. This initiative will help address power shortages and provide farmers with additional income. Discussions will be held with Union ministers to implement the KUSUM-A scheme, he said.
"The KUSUM-B scheme, which offers solar pumpsets to farmers through subsidies, is already in progress. Farmers are required to drill a borewell and, if water is found, apply online. After verification, the scheme will be rolled out, and 12 contractors have been selected for this task. The contractors will install the borewell's motor, panel, and pipes. Farmers will bear 20% of the total cost, while the state govt will contribute 50%. The central govt will cover the remaining amount. The central govt approved the installation of 40,000 pumpsets by the end of December," George added.
"To promote power generation, plans are under way to set up an additional solar park on 10,000 acres, complementing the existing 2,050-megawatt solar park in Pavagada. With this expansion, Pavagada Solar Park will once again become the largest solar park in the world," the energy minister said.
"It is essential to establish more farmers' markets (Raitha Bazaars) to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Given the high demand for organic products in international markets, farmers should focus on cultivating these crops. Govt will fully support this initiative," George added.
Kadur MLA KS Anand chaired the event. Bhadra-CADA chairman KP Amshumanth, municipal council president Bhandari Srinivas, and other municipal members were present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
₹11 crore sanctioned for works of two NHs between Annamayya and Kadapa districts: Minister
The State government has sanctioned ₹11.07 crore for the development of two-lane link roads connecting Rayachoti-Vempalli (NH 440) and Kadapa-Rayachoti (NH 40) across Annamayya and Kadapa districts, said Minister for Transport, Youth Affairs and Sports Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy. The Minister was inaugurating the works at the Kadapa Ring Road, in Rayachoti, on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramprasad Reddy said that the coalition government was committed to both development and welfare in State. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has an advanced vision plan for the integrated development of the State by the next five years, he said. He added that the Minister for Roads and Buildings, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, meanwhile, played a crucial role in securing key road projects for the Rayachoti Assembly constituency. The Minister announced that the ongoing road works, including the Rayachoti-Vempalli road, would be completed promptly. Mr. Ramprasad Reddy further reiterated that measures to tackle the recent drinking water crisis would be taken up on a war-footing by digging new borewells in many villages across the district. The Minister said that the construction of cement roads and drainage canals would also be undertaken on top priority. He hailed the efforts of Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in expediting National Highways' development across the country. 'The tunnel construction at Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat will commence soon, and this will end the frequent road accidents on the section,' Mr. Ramprasad Reddy said. 'Strengthening of the road network will significantly improve economic activity in the Rayalaseema region, particularly Annamayya district,' the Minister said.
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
About 2,500 acres of land will be required for 271-km circular railway network in Bengaluru
A 271-km circular railway network is being planned as a long-term, sustainable solution to Bengaluru's growing traffic congestion and mobility challenges, for which about 2,500 acres of land will be required, said Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna. 'The ambitious project aims to connect the city's peripheral regions while integrating with the upcoming suburban railway and National Highways, ensuring smooth travel for commuters and industries alike,' he added. Mr. Somanna, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday (June 7, 2025) at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru to review the preliminary plans for the project. Mr. Somanna said that the network will span approximately 271 km and is designed to cater to the region's infrastructure needs for the next 50 years. The proposed network comprises three major stretches: Nidavanda–Doddaballapura–Devanahalli–Malur, Malur–Anekal–Hejjala, and Hejjala–Soluru–Nidavanda. About 2,500 acres of land will be required, and the entire cost will be borne by the Central Government. Later, Mr. Somanna also held a review with SWR officials on other projects, including new lines from Tumakuru to Rayadurga and Tumakuru to Davangere, and the progress of multiple road over bridges (ROBs), road under bridges (RUBs), and pedestrian subways across Karnataka.
United News of India
5 hours ago
- United News of India
Kamalam cultivation key to Viksit Krishi: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Bengaluru, June 8 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that high-income, low-input crops like dragon fruit (Kamalam) are crucial for building a "Viksit Krishi" (developed agriculture) model that supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Standing amidst rows of dragon fruit plants on farmer Muniraj's field in Bengaluru Rural district, Chouhan hailed the crop as a symbol of modern, sustainable farming. "Dragon fruit is an organic, cactus-family fruit that requires no chemical sanitizers and thrives on cow dung manure. It resists disease naturally, cutting input costs while delivering strong economic returns," he told reporters. The minister noted that farmers can start earning ₹2–3 lakh from the very first year of cultivation, with earnings rising to ₹8–10 lakh from the second year. "By the third year, when the plant reaches full production, a farmer can net ₹6–7 lakh annually. This is the future of Indian agriculture — high profit, low input, health-positive," Chouhan asserted. He pointed out that such models align with the Prime Minister's goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. "For a developed India, we need developed agriculture and prosperous farmers. Diversification into crops like Kamalam is not just an option — it is a necessity," he said. Chouhan also emphasised the health benefits of dragon fruit, highlighting its high nutrient content and organic nature. "These crops offer threefold benefits: they are chemical-free, they improve human health, and they offer superior returns compared to traditional farming, where annual savings often don't exceed ₹1 lakh," he said. Calling upon farmers across the country to embrace agricultural diversification, Chouhan said, "Let us move together towards Viksit Krishi. The journey to Viksit Bharat begins from the soil." UNI BDN SSP
