An awareness-cum-enrolment program on solar powered agriculture pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme was held today in Budgam.
The session was presided over by Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology department. Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, besides other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The event witnessed active participation from stakeholders including farmers and officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments besides representatives from J&K Bank. The programme was aimed at to create awareness and enrol farmers under PM Kusum scheme enabling them adopt solar powered pumps to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary underscored the significance of PM-KUSUM scheme in advancing sustainable agriculture while ensuring clean and affordable energy solutions for farmers.
He emphasised the government’s commitment towards empowering local communities while engaging local youth on need basis at the district level for maintenance and operation of solar powered machines.
He said special courses will be introduced in ITIs and polytechnic colleges to provide skill training and awareness about the PM-KUSUM scheme. These initiatives aim to generate employment opportunities and equip youth with the technical expertise needed for the scheme’s successful implementation.
During the awareness programme, an insightful PowerPoint Presentation was given wherein numerous benefits of solar powered pumps including reduced irrigation costs, enhanced agricultural productivity and eco-friendly energy solutions were highlighted.
The presentation also outlined the subsidy structure and the ease of availing the scheme. The farmers were encouraged to adopt solar technology for sustainable farming practices. On the occasion, the DC emphasised the need for transition to renewable energy in the agriculture sector, particularly in areas like Budgam where farming forms an important sector of the livelihood.
He urged JKEDA to conduct such programs in other sub-divisions of budgam also so that awareness reaches every beneficiary farmer. He highlighted the benefits available under PM- Surya scheme and called for its implementation across the district.
On the occasion, the progressive farmers and experts from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments elaborated on the technical and financial aspects of the scheme including the process of availing subsidies and operational benefits of solar powered pumps.
The interactive session concluded with stakeholders expressing their enthusiasm for adopting solar powered pumps for sustainable agricultural practices. Later, the Commissioner Secretary inspected the stalls where in demonstration of solar pumps was being shown to the participants.