Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) has witnessed an overwhelming response to the Kusum project, with over 2,500 applications received by August 20. This ambitious initiative aims to promote energy self-sufficiency by encouraging farmers to adopt solar power for irrigation, thereby reducing their dependence on conventional energy sources.
The project, launched under the PM-KUSUM scheme, offers attractive subsidies to farmers who install solar pump sets. The state government has increased its subsidy to 50%, while the central government contributes 30%, leaving farmers to pay only 20% of the costs. This financial support has made solar-powered irrigation a viable option for farmers, allowing them to harness renewable energy to drive their agricultural activities.
Under the Kusum project, farmers will receive a comprehensive package, including solar panels, submersible or surface DC pumps, a mounting structure, a panel board, pipes, and cables. The supplier will maintain these solar pumps for five years, ensuring hassle-free operation. By using solar pump sets, farmers can enjoy an uninterrupted power supply for eight hours during the day, eliminating the need to rely on conventional electricity at night.
The Kusum C scheme advances the project further by solarising farm feeders instead of individual solar pumps. This innovative approach will power existing pump sets through feeder-level solar energy, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity during the day. With increased local electricity production, farmers can now meet their power requirements without depending on conventional sources.
To facilitate easy registration, farmers can log on to the online portal (link unavailable) and provide their Aadhaar, RTC, and bank details. MESCOM has identified 118 acres of government land and 70 acres of private land for the solar energy project, aiming to generate approximately 40 MW of solar energy. This initiative has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape in Mangalore, empowering farmers with sustainable and reliable energy solutions.