Mysuru: In a major push towards green energy and agricultural support, the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) has launched an ambitious plan to generate 172.8 megawatts (MW) of solar power to run irrigation pumpsets in the district under the PM-KUSUM scheme.

This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted, daytime three-phase power to farmers, enabling them to avoid dangerous nighttime fieldwork, especially in areas prone to wild animal encounters.

CESC is setting up 33 solar power plants across various taluks, including:

  • Periyapatna – 43.2 MW

  • Mysuru – 36.9 MW

  • Hunsur – 36.7 MW

  • T Narasipura – 19.7 MW

  • Nanjangud – 15.4 MW

  • HD Kote – 10.1 MW

  • Saragur – 7.8 MW

  • Saligrama – 3 MW

    • The solar plants will be built near agriculture feeder lines to ensure direct grid integration. The funding breakdown is 50% by the state government, 30% by the Centre, and 20% by CESC.

    For land, CESC is seeking partnerships with farmers, offering a 25-year lease at ₹25,000 per acre, with a 5% hike every two years. An estimated ₹4 crore is required per megawatt of solar production.

    CESC MD K.M. Munigopala Raju emphasized the dual benefit: steady power for farmers and a shift toward renewable energy. State Sugarcane Growers Association VP Attahalli Devaraj urged farmers to support the project by leasing land, calling it a win-win for agriculture and energy sustainability.