- Farmers encouraged to adopt sustainable irrigation practices under PM-KUSUM
PULWAMA: As part of Jammu & Kashmir Solar Mission under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, an awareness-cum-publicity and registration program on solar powered agricultural pumps was organized at the Saffron Research Center, Dusoo Pampore.
The program was inaugurated by Commissioner Secretary Science & Technology, Saurabh Bhagat which witnessed active participation from a significant number of farmers.
Experts at the session highlighted the transformative potential of solar-powered pumps in agriculture, with a focus on their critical role in saffron cultivation, which demands timely and efficient irrigation. They explained how these pumps offer farmers the flexibility to irrigate fields on-demand while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
Speaking on the occasion, Saurabh Bhagat reiterated government’s unwavering commitment towards welfare of the farming community. He announced plans to install approximately 10,000 solar pumps in the coming days, emphasizing that the initiative comes with an 80% subsidy, making it highly accessible for farmers.
Farmers attending the event expressed their eagerness to adopt solar technology, recognizing its potential to improve efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The program successfully raised awareness about the benefits of solar-powered irrigation, marking a significant step towards empowering farmers and advancing environmentally friendly agricultural solutions.
The event was also participated by Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora Nazir Ahmad Mir, Joint Director Agriculture Balbeer Singh, Director of Research SKUAST Kashmir Dr. Haroon Neyak and Deputy CEO JAKEDA Muzafer Ahmad.
