Mandya Launches Its First KUSUM-C Solar Power Project, Empowering Farmers with Clean Energy – EQ
In Short : Mandya has inaugurated its first KUSUM-C solar power project, marking a major step toward sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. The initiative enables farmers to use solar energy for irrigation, reduce dependence on grid power, lower electricity costs, and generate additional income, aligning agricultural growth with India’s clean energy transition.
In Detail : Mandya has inaugurated its first solar power project under the KUSUM-C component, marking an important milestone in the district’s journey toward clean energy adoption in agriculture. The project reflects a growing emphasis on integrating renewable energy solutions into rural infrastructure to improve farmer welfare and enhance energy sustainability.
The KUSUM-C scheme focuses on solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pump sets, allowing farmers to meet their irrigation needs using solar power. By reducing reliance on conventional electricity and diesel, the project helps lower input costs while ensuring a more reliable power supply for agricultural operations.
For farmers in Mandya, the project offers both economic and operational benefits. Solar-powered irrigation reduces exposure to fluctuating electricity availability and rising fuel costs, enabling timely watering of crops and improving overall farm productivity. In addition, surplus solar power can be fed back into the grid, creating an opportunity for additional income.
The inauguration of the project highlights the role of decentralised renewable energy in strengthening rural economies. By bringing clean power directly to farms, the initiative supports energy access at the grassroots level while reducing transmission losses and easing pressure on the conventional power network.
From an environmental perspective, the KUSUM-C solar project contributes to reduced carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources. The shift to solar-powered irrigation aligns with broader climate goals while promoting sustainable farming practices that conserve natural resources.
The project also underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies, power utilities, and local stakeholders. Effective coordination is essential to ensure smooth implementation, timely maintenance, and long-term viability of solar infrastructure in rural settings.
Mandya’s first KUSUM-C installation is expected to serve as a model for wider adoption across the district and the state. Successful implementation can encourage more farmers to participate in the scheme, accelerating the transition toward solar-powered agriculture.
The initiative aligns with national objectives to promote renewable energy while enhancing farmer incomes and reducing subsidy burdens on the power sector. Solarisation of agricultural pumps is seen as a long-term solution to address both energy and agricultural challenges.
Overall, the inauguration of Mandya’s first KUSUM-C solar power project represents a significant step toward cleaner, more resilient agricultural infrastructure. By empowering farmers with sustainable energy solutions, the project strengthens rural livelihoods, supports environmental goals, and contributes to a more balanced and future-ready energy ecosystem.
