Maharashtra to generate 7,000 MW solar power by 2026 for farmers.

The state government plans to generate 7,000 megawatts of solar power by 2026 to provide daytime electricity supply to farmers thereby reducing the burden of cross-subsidy on industries, said the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) recently.

Addressing a press conference here, MSEDCL’s independent director Vishwas Pathak said farmers now get electricity for irrigation at night and find it troublesome. Under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana – 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0), the government will ensure daytime supply by installing solar panels near agricultural feeders, he said.

“This will provide reliable electricity supply to farmers during the day. Their demand of many years will be fulfilled,” he said.

Pathak said that the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis have decided to implement MSKVY 2.0 in the state aiming to run at least 30 per cent of agricultural feeders in each district on solar energy by December 2025.

Under MSKVY 2.0, Pathak said, ₹30,000 crore will be invested. The project, which MSEDCL aims to complete by 2026, will create thousands of jobs, he claimed.

HBL