Raita Soura Shakti Mela’ Set to Empower Karnataka Farmers with Solar Energy solutions

Bengaluru, March 6: The Department of Energy, Government of Karnataka, is organizing the ‘Raita Soura Shakti Mela’ on March 9, 2024, at the esteemed premises of GKVK in Bengaluru. This groundbreaking event aims to diminish the reliability of conventional electricity for irrigation and promote self-sufficiency among farmers through the adoption of solar energy solutions.

At a pre-event gathering hosted at Hotel Lalit Ashok in the city, Energy Minister KJ George underscored the pivotal role of solar pump sets in transforming agricultural landscapes. “The path to sustainable agriculture lies in embracing solar pump sets to cater to the diverse energy needs of our farmers. Hence, to enlighten and equip farmers with essential knowledge, we are happy to organize the ‘Raita Soura Shakti Mela’ on March 9 at GKVK premises,” remarked Minister George.

Minister George emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering solar energy adoption, “Our government is steadfast in championing initiatives like the ‘Kusum B’ project, aimed at incentivizing the use of solar pump sets. The forthcoming fair will serve as a beacon, guiding farmers through the maze of solar energy adoption with live demonstrations of innovative pump sets, facilitating seamless integration into their agricultural endeavours.”

The inauguration of the event, scheduled for 4 pm on March 9, will be graced by the Honourable Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and other esteemed dignitaries.

In a bid to catalyze widespread adoption, the state government has amplified the subsidy for solar pump sets from 30 per cent to an enticing 50 per cent, ensuring accessibility for farmers across the state. Minister George elaborated, “Farmers will only bear a nominal 20 per cent of the total cost, with additional provisions including pumps, meters, and pipes furnished under the scheme.”

Mr Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy; Mr Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Managing Director, KPTCL; Mr Mahantesh Bilagi, Managing Director, BESCOM; Mr K.P. Rudrappaiah, Managing Director, KREDL, and other officials were present at the curtain raiser event.

Key Highlights of the Mela

• Distinguished by its informative sessions and interactive exhibits, the ‘Raita Soura Shakti Mela’ promises an enriching experience for attendees.

• Engaging sessions will elucidate the functionalities and benefits of solar pump sets, and various solar power product outlets will offer comprehensive guidance.

• Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness demonstrations showcasing the efficiency and efficacy of solar pump sets.

• Launching alongside the event is an exclusive online app, the Saura Mitra app, streamlining the application process for interested farmers

• An interaction forum will facilitate meaningful exchanges between farmers, solar pump manufacturers, financial institutions, and government representatives, fostering a conducive knowledge-sharing and collaboration environment.

• Farmers from all over the state are expected to converge at the Mela, which will take place at the GKVK premises on March 9 2023
• Kusum B Scheme – Karnataka Government Prioritizes Solar Pumpset Utilization

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