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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Tripura farmers benefit from solar pumps: 3,616 installed, 7,232 acres irrigated, says Ratan Lal Nath

Date:

By TC News Desk

Agartala, 13th January 2025:   The farmers of Tripura are reaping significant benefits from the solar pump installation project, which has greatly improved the irrigation system essential for farming. The Tripura government has set a national precedent by providing substantial financial assistance to farmers under this initiative. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath shared these details in response to an inquiry by Teliamura MLA and government chief whip Kalyani Roy during the assembly session today.

Minister Nath highlighted the state’s pioneering efforts to double the crop yield and income of small and marginal farmers by installing solar-powered pumps under the PM Kusum scheme. “This initiative ensures irrigation and the use of water for other necessary purposes, significantly boosting agricultural productivity,” he said.

The minister also noted the rapid progress of pump installations across various regions, with priority given to aspiration and ADC blocks. “Farmers are immensely benefiting from solar pumps, enabling them to switch from single to double crop production and thereby doubling their income,” Nath added.

Providing specific figures, Nath stated, “The total target for installing solar-powered pumps in the state is 10,895. So far, 3,616 pumps have been installed across various districts, bringing 7,232 acres of land under irrigation and benefiting 3,616 farmers.” The breakdown of installed pumps includes 361 in Dhalai, 334 in Unakoti, 290 in Gomati, 460 in South Tripura, 459 in Khowai, 715 in Sepahijala, 777 in West Tripura and 220 in North Tripura.

Minister Nath further mentioned that the installation of an additional 5,015 pumps is currently underway. “These installations will bring 10,030 acres (25,075 kani) of land under irrigation, benefiting 5,015 farmers,” he said. The ongoing installations include 545 pumps in Dhalai, 386 in Unkoti, 452 in Gomati, 359 in South Tripura, 438 in Khowai, 1,565 in Sepahijala, 908 in West Tripura, and 362 in North Tripura.

Upon completion of the target of 10,895 pumps, it will be possible to irrigate 21,790 acres (54,475 kani) of land, with a total project cost of Rs 324 crore.

Highlighting the long-term benefits, Nath stated, “This project guarantees assured irrigation for at least 25 years. It provides an opportunity to double and triple income by producing more crops. Additionally, since the project is solar-powered, there are no electricity costs. The government is also providing a maximum grant of Rs 1,19,000 for creating water sources.”

The minister emphasized that the Tripura government has borne the cost of digging up to Rs 1.19 lakh for creating water sources, unlike other states where farmers bear this cost.

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