GSFC scheme for promoting solar energy based irrigation in Gujarat

As part of an attempt to promote the use of clean energy for irrigation, Gujarat State Fertilizers Company (GSFC) has expanded its Sardar Package Scheme.

According to The Hindu Business Line, the scheme will be launched in 41 sub-divisions spread across 19 districts of the Gujarat State.

Initially, the scheme has been launched in Vyara village of Waghodiya taluka in Vadodara.

The scheme will offer solar pumps and drip set packages to the State’s farmers under the package.

In addition, two lakh hectares of land will be added to drip irrigation every year, quotes the news agency.

The scheme aims to spread awareness for solar pumps among farmers, promoting their use in drip irrigation.

Besides, the Scheme will educate farmers about use of water soluble fertilizer (WSF) and their benefits, reports the news sources.

GSFC also has plans to launch this package in Uttar Pradesh after Maharashtra, said S. K. Nanda, chairman, managing director, GSFC to PTI.

India is all set to scale up the use of solar energy pumping systems by taking a number of steps to make it more than 10 per cent of the energy mix by 2020, said Nanda.

Demand for water pumps in the agriculture sector has been rising rapidly and solar water pumps are viable solutions to fulfil this need. These pumps ensure regular water supply even in areas where there is no power, he said.

If solar drip-irrigation system is maintained and operated well, it can be a great asset for different crop production, he added.

This system can be controlled with a control panel that reduces labor and other costs. It is an adaptable system and can be applied easily in any field, Nanda explained.

In case of solar water pumps, the attached Solar PV converts solar energy into electricity that runs the pump to circulate water with pressure. This system has no moving parts and is less expensive for big farm holdings, Nanda pointed out.

Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]