K’taka aims to promote PM KUSUM scheme to empower farmers with renewable energy

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: To popularise the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM), Karnataka’s Renewable Energy Department has enrolled 18,000 farmers in the KUSUM-B scheme through the Saura Mitra App.

This initiative, led by Energy Minister K J George, reflects the state’s commitment to promoting renewable energy and supporting farmers. By encouraging farmers to participate, Karnataka empowers them to harness solar power, meet their energy needs, reduce dependency on traditional energy sources, and contribute to environmental conservation.

This initiative not only benefits individual farmers but also aligns with broader goals of energy security and sustainable development, says a press release.

The PM KUSUM initiative is a joint effort between the Government of India and state governments, aimed at making agriculture more sustainable by addressing farmers’ energy needs. The scheme provides energy security and improves livelihoods by installing solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.

Additional Chief Secretary (Energy De partment), Gaurav Gupta, highlighted the importance of comprehensive strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable energy sources for farmers during a recent workshop.

The workshop emphasised the need for developing infrastructure for renewable energy generation and distribution tailored to rural areas.

The event was attended by key officials including Gaurav Gupta, Pradip Kumar Das (Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency), Dinesh Jagdale (Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy), and other Karnataka Energy Department officials.