Patna: The Bihar government is set to solarise agricultural feeders, providing farmers with daytime electricity for irrigation and reducing dependency on expensive thermal power. As part of the Jal Jeevan Hariyali Yojana, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has prioritised solar energy development, including it in the scheme’s 11-point action plan.
Under the third phase of the initiative, 1,200 MW of solar power will be used to energise feeders, replacing conventional electricity supplied to farmers. The Energy Department has begun work on this transition, with tenders already floated.
Reducing Costs and Enhancing Energy Security
Currently, power for agricultural use comes from thermal plants, costing Rs 6.74 per unit, while farmers receive it at a heavily subsidised Rs 0.55 per unit. The government bears an annual subsidy of Rs 3,970 crore to bridge this gap. Transitioning to solar energy aims to cut costs and ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said that using solar power for agricultural feeders would not only stabilise energy supply but also reduce financial strain on the state. Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena called it a crucial step in meeting Bihar’s future energy needs, particularly in mitigating drought-like situations.
Progress in Solarisation and Future Targets
- Phase 1: 1,235 feeders were constructed from 843 power substations. Contracts were issued to three developers to generate 17.85 MW of solar power for eight feeders.
- Phase 2: Tenders have been invited to power 3,681 feeders (agricultural and dedicated) using 1,600 MW of solar energy.
- Phase 3: The government has now called for 1,200 MW of additional solar capacity to be installed.
So far, 180 MW of solar projects have been completed, including floating solar plants in Darbhanga and Supaul. A similar project is underway in Phulwaria, Rajauli. Under the Grid Connected Rooftop Scheme, 91 MW of solar rooftop capacity has been installed on 9,821 government buildings, with 18.43 MW on 5,182 private structures. Additionally, solar streetlights have been deployed across all panchayats under the Chief Minister’s Solar Street Light Scheme.
All Farmers to Get Dedicated Power by June
The government has committed to providing all farmers with dedicated power feeders by June. Out of the 3,000 required feeders, 2,500 have already been completed, with the remaining expected by mid-year. Additionally, 2.85 lakh farmers awaiting agricultural connections will receive them by June 2025.
Under the Chief Minister Agricultural Pump Vidyut Connection Scheme, 5.55 lakh farmers have already received electricity connections, with the remaining to be covered by year-end.
Solar Power: A Cheaper Alternative to Diesel
The state government currently offers a 92% subsidy on electricity bills for farmers, making solar-powered irrigation ten times cheaper than diesel-based alternatives. Apart from boosting agricultural productivity, uninterrupted power supply is also expected to drive agricultural industrialisation in Bihar.
