Farmers to get guidance on solar energy

BATHINDA: Farmers will now get guidance at a special awareness camp to be held tomorrow about the new scheme to be launched by state government through the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) under which farmers can set up 1 to 2.

Farmers will now get guidance at a special awareness camp to be held tomorrow about the new scheme to be launched by state government through the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) under which farmers can set up 1 to 2.5 MW solar power plants and the PSPCL will buy the power produced from these plants over a period of next 25 years.

The Punjab Government is launching a new scheme for the farmers that will not only improve their economic condition but will also open doors of entrepreneurship for them. 

PEDA manager Rajesh Bansal said, “The PEDA aims at supplementing the income of farmers and increase power production from the non-conventional resources. A special awareness camp will be held on June 5 to make the farmers aware of the particulars of the scheme.”

“The PSPCL will buy solar power produced from these units at Rs 7.04 per unit for a period of 25 years. Under the scheme, the PEDA will give approval for setting up 500 MW solar plants in the state of which 100 MW has been reserved for SC/ST/NRI and widow land owners,” said Rajesh Bansal. 

He said farmers having 5 acres of land or less can create a group and apply for the scheme. “For setting up 1 MW solar power plant, 5 acres of land is required. After the project is allotted to a farmer, he can form his own company/firm/society of which he will be partner of 51 per cent. The PEDA will give assistance for preparing documents to set up the company, sign agreement with Powercom for selling power and will provide technical assistance. I appeal to the farmers to attend the camp that will be held at the Zila Parishad Complex, Bathinda, on June 5 for more information,” he added.

Source: The Tribune