Functional Repairs of Solar Pumps Provide Relief as Irrigation Costs Drop and Agricultural Output Improves
Published on: February 19, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Farmers in Rajnandgaon district are witnessing improved agricultural productivity and financial stability under the Solar Sujala Scheme, which provides solar-powered irrigation pumps to cultivators, reducing their dependence on conventional electricity and costly diesel alternatives.
The scheme aims to install solar irrigation pumps in farmers’ fields to meet irrigation needs without the burden of electricity bills. Officials say the initiative has significantly benefited farmers by lowering input costs, increasing crop yields, and contributing to groundwater conservation, while also strengthening the rural economy.
However, in several cases, solar pumps installed earlier had become non-functional due to technical issues. When the concerned installation agencies failed to carry out repairs, the headquarters of Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) in Raipur approved repair works using the agencies’ deposited security funds. As a result, many dysfunctional pumps were restored and made operational again.
Under the repair initiative, farmer Nandulal Sahu of Lammeta village in Chhuriya block received a new controller, while Mansharam of Kallutola village received a new solar panel. Ramprasad of Ayabanda village was provided with a new pump. Similarly, in Dongargaon block, farmer Roshan Lal of Bijepaar village received a new pump, and Tejaswini Bai of Pairi village was provided with a new controller and panel installation to restore the system.
Beneficiaries under the scheme are selected by the Agriculture Department based on eligibility criteria. Farmers contribute a nominal amount depending on the pump capacity and their social category. For a 3 HP pump, including processing fees, the beneficiary contribution is ₹10,000 for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers, ₹15,000 for Other Backward Classes, and ₹21,000 for the general category. For a 5 HP pump, the contribution is ₹14,800 for SC/ST, ₹19,800 for OBC, and ₹24,800 for the general category.
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The scheme is particularly beneficial for farmers who own agricultural land but cannot afford the high cost of extending electricity lines to their fields and are therefore dependent on monsoon rains. In many cases, farmers rely on nearby rivers, streams, or other water sources using diesel or kerosene pumps, which increases expenses. In the absence of adequate water sources or timely rainfall, crops often fail, pushing farmers into financial distress.
Recognizing these challenges, the state government, with financial support and implementation through CREDA, has been installing solar-powered irrigation pumps in borewells, wells, and surface water sources where adequate water availability exists. Officials believe the initiative is playing a crucial role in ensuring reliable irrigation, improving farm income, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices across rural areas.
