Punjab announces 40% subsidy on solar pumps

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government today announced 40 per cent subsidy on purchase of solar pumps to incentivise farmers for using these pumps for irrigation.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for providing this subsidy to farmers, a spokesperson said.

A solar pump costs nearly Rs 2.50 lakh of which 40 per cent (Rs 1 lakh) and 30 per cent (Rs 75,000) as subsidy is borne by the state government and Centre, respectively, while balance 30 per cent is to be paid by farmer.

The Chief Minister, however, said the priority would be given to those farmers who opt for crop diversification programme whereby they shift land under paddy to alternative crops like sugarcane, cotton, maize, soyabean, oilseeds, pulses, fruits and vegetables, according to the official.