The Suryashakti Kisan Yojana is a scheme launched by the Government of Gujarat to enable farmers to generate electricity through solar panels installed on their farms. The key objectives of the scheme are providing irrigation power supply, doubling farmer income by selling excess electricity, and improving standards of living. Through this scheme, farmers will get a 60% subsidy on solar panel installation costs along with attractive electricity rates for their captive consumption and sale to the government over 25 years. Around 12400 farmers across 33 districts are expected to benefit from the scheme which also aims to ensure 12 hours of daytime power supply.
Key Features
The Suryashakti Kisan Yojana has some notable features like:
- 60% subsidy on solar power project costs to farmers
- 30% project cost funding through 4.5-6% interest loans
- Farmers bear only 5% project costs
- 25 year scheme duration with different power rates
- Rs. 7 per unit rate for 1st 7 years
- Rs. 3.5 per unit rate for next 18 years
- Sale of excess power generated to state government
These features make Suryashakti an attractive scheme for farmers to install solar panels and generate electricity for irrigation and other captive needs. The subsidized loans, government support, and electricity revenue further encourage participation.
Benefits
Some major benefits of the Suryashakti Kisan Yojana are:
- Regular daytime power supply to farms for 12 hours
- Solar powered irrigation systems improving farm productivity
- Additional income for farmers by selling excess electricity
- Improved standards of living for farmer families
- Promotes solar energy and supports govt. green objectives
- Empowering farmers with clean energy access and resources
By providing irrigation, livelihoods, empowerment and sustainability benefits, Suryashakti delivers holistic value for farmer welfare and growth.
Eligibility Criteria
The key eligibility criteria to participate in Suryashakti Kisan Yojana are:
- Must be a farmer with land ownership papers
- Land area should be suitable for solar installation
- Proper connections required to route excess energy to grid
- Documents like Aadhaar, bank account and electricity bill
- Solar project developer fulfilling approvals and standards
Ensuring the possession of necessary farm resources, connections and documents helps quicker enrolment and availing scheme benefits.
| Parameter | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Land ownership | Valid ownership papers |
| Land suitability | Solar panels installation feasible |
| Grid connectivity | Route excess energy to grid |
Application Process
The key steps in the Suryashakti Kisan Yojana application process are:
- Identify suitable solar project installation agency
- Get land assessed for solar capacity
- Submit scheme interest form with necessary documents
- Complete loan application upon approval
- Coordinate panel installation with agency
- Commence self-consumption and sale of electricity
Navigating the various steps smoothly will require awareness of guidelines, coordination with officials and following timelines for approvals.
Conclusion
The Suryashakti Kisan Yojana aims to empower Gujarat's farmers with solar energy access for irrigation, additional income through electricity sales while promoting sustainability. The attractiveness of its offerings can uplift rural livelihoods. Effective coordination among stakeholders and streamlined processes will determine the success of achieving envisaged benefits.
FAQ
Q1: What is the Suryashakti Kisan Yojana?
A1: Launched by Government of Gujarat, Suryashakti Kisan Yojana enables farmers to set up solar panels for electricity generation to use for irrigation and other captive needs. Excess electricity can be sold to the government.
Q2: How can farmers apply for the scheme?
A2: Farmers have to coordinate with approved solar project agencies, get necessary clearances and approvals, submit required documents, avail loans if needed, and complete installation. The entire process has been outlined by the state government.
Q3: What rate will farmers get per unit of electricity?
A3: For the first 7 years, Rs. 7 per unit. For the next 18 years, Rs. 3.5 per unit as fixed by the Gujarat government under the scheme.
Q4: Who pays for the solar project cost?
A4: The government subsidy component is 60% of project cost. 30% cost is covered by loans to farmers at 4.5%-6% interest. Remaining 5% expenses are borne directly by the farmers.
Q5: How does the scheme benefit farmers?
A5: It enables 12 hour daytime power supply for irrigation, gives extra income by selling additional electricity while improving living standards and supplementing farm income.
Q6: What is the scheme duration?
A6: The Suryashakti Kisan Yojana has been announced for a total period of 25 years across two phases - a 7 year period followed by a 18 year duration.
