MP to Provide Solar Pumps to 40,000 Farmers in Four Years: CM Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced plans to distribute solar irrigation pumps to 40,000 farmers across the state within the next four years. This initiative aims to make farmers less reliant on the grid and mitigate issues such as power outages during peak agricultural seasons. Speaking at a press conference marking the first year of his government, CM Yadav emphasised that solar pumps would enable farmers to irrigate during daytime solar hours, addressing complaints about electricity being supplied at inconvenient night hours. In addition to aiding farmers, the government plans to introduce solar pumps for urban households. CM Yadav highlighted that this move would reduce the state’s annual subsidy burden, which currently stands at over Rs 250 billion. The subsidy for urban areas alone amounts to Rs 100 billion annually. “This transition to solar energy will allow the government to redirect funds to other critical sectors,” Yadav stated. The Chief Minister also outlined his vision to double Madhya Pradesh’s annual budget size within five years. For 2024-25, the state budget is set at Rs 3,650.67 billion, and Yadav aims to achieve an additional Rs 80 billion in revenue by the end of his government’s tenure in November 2028. He credited recent revenue increases in various departments as early signs of progress. (ET)