On a bright morning in rural Maharashtra, as the sun rises over vast stretches of farmland, something remarkable is happening. Instead of waiting anxiously for the erratic grid electricity to power their water pumps, farmers are now harnessing the sun itself. Thanks to the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY 2.0), a revolution is underway—one that is empowering farmers with sustainable, reliable, and cost- effective irrigation solutions.

Solar-Powered Transformation

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has taken a bold step in aligning with the PM-KUSUM scheme, focusing on off-grid solar pumps. The aim? To reduce dependence on traditional electricity and fossil fuels, which have long been a burden on both farmers and the environment.

And the scale of this project is mind-blowing! Maharashtra has already installed 3.38 lakh off-grid solar
pumps—more than any other Indian state. But they’re not stopping there. Over the next three years, the plan is to install 10.5 lakh solar pumps—with 5.05 lakh under PM-KUSUM-B and another 5 lakh backed by AIIB funding. This means that very soon, thousands of farmers will experience irrigation free from power cuts and costly electricity bills.

Savings & Growth

For farmers, switching to solar-powered pumps isn’t just about convenience; it’s a financial game-changer. With a 95% subsidy, these pumps are highly affordable. That’s not all—solar power cuts down the cost of electricity to just ₹1–1.5 per unit, a fraction of what traditional power costs.

And here’s the real win: no more electricity bills! For generations, farmers have struggled with rising power costs eating into their earnings. Now, with solar pumps, they’re saving money, reducing expenses, and gaining financial independence. Even the DISCOMs benefit—solar power reduces their power purchase costs while also eliminating the need for expensive rural grid infrastructure.

Green & Secure Future

Beyond the economics, the environmental impact of this shift is profound. By transitioning to solar, Maharashtra is significantly cutting carbon emissions, directly supporting India’s net-zero goals. Farmers no longer need to worry about unreliable electricity supply; they now have daytime power at their fingertips, ensuring more productive farming.

Boon for Rural Development

And there’s more. This initiative isn’t just about water and power—it’s about jobs and rural prosperity. With an estimated 11,500 employment opportunities emerging in installation, maintenance, and operations, rural communities are seeing new economic lifelines. Better irrigation means better crop yields, especially for small and marginal farmers, who often struggle with unpredictable rainfall.

Maharashtra isn’t just adopting renewable energy—it’s setting a national benchmark. Through MSKVY 2.0, the state is proving that sustainable farming isn’t a distant dream, but a present-day reality. By scaling up distributed solar energy, the project is reducing power costs, creating jobs, and improving lives—all while protecting the environment.