8 Lakh Farmers Benefit From Solar Agri-Feeder Scheme in Maharashtra, Capacity Expansion Planned

Mumbai, March 10: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed the state Assembly that nearly eight lakh farmers across the state are currently benefiting from the government’s solar agricultural feeder initiative, which aims to provide reliable daytime electricity for farming activities.

Addressing legislators during the Question Hour, Fadnavis—who also oversees the energy portfolio—said the government has already completed installations generating about 4,000 megawatts of power under the Chief Minister Solar Agricultural Feeder Scheme. He added that the state plans to significantly expand the project by adding another 10,000 MW of capacity in the coming phase.

The initiative is designed to supply electricity to agricultural feeders during the daytime using solar energy, helping farmers operate irrigation systems without depending on irregular night-time power supply. According to the chief minister, the scheme is expected to ensure daytime electricity for nearly 75 percent of farmers in the state, with plans to extend the benefits to most regions by next year despite some logistical challenges in a few areas.

Fadnavis also highlighted the positive response from farmers toward the Maagel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, a programme that provides solar-powered pumps for agricultural use. He shared an example of a woman farmer who uses solar energy generated from her system for irrigation while storing surplus power in batteries and capacitors to meet household electricity needs during the night.

The solar feeder programme has also attracted global attention. According to the chief minister, the International Solar Alliance has recognised it as a flagship model for promoting renewable energy in agriculture. The project has reportedly received several international awards and has been recommended by the central government as a model for other states to adopt.

Looking ahead, the Maharashtra government plans to integrate battery storage systems into the scheme, which would allow solar energy to be stored efficiently and used throughout the day and night while improving its integration with the state’s power grid.