JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), Department of Science & Technology, conducted an awareness programme at Pakhi Morh, Ramgarh,  Samba, for sensitization of farmers regarding use of Solar Energy for powering irrigation pumps. The programme was conducted under the Chairmanship of Commissioner Science & Technology, Saurabh Bhagat.

Present on the occasion were Rajesh Sharma, District Development Commissioner Samba, Neelam Khajuria, Additional Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Dr. P. R. Dhar, CEO, JAKEDA, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba and Deepak Sharma, Regional Head JAKEDA, besides officers from Agriculture Department and JAKEDA. During the programme, the CEO JAKEDA apprised the officers and the farmers of various benefits/incentives being extended by the Union Ministry for New & Renewable Energy, MNRE, under PM-KUSUM scheme, which is primarily meant for upliftment of the farmers.

The participants were told that the farmers can set up Grid Connected Solar Power Plants in the capacity range of 0.5 MW to 2.0 MW on Barron Land banks for sale of power to DISCOMs and make an average annual earning of Rs 40 lakh per MW under “Component A” of PM-KUSUM. Besides, for development of 1 MW Solar Plant Project 4 acre of land is required. 

Under “Component B” of PM-KUSUM Scheme, the farmers are allowed to install subsidised Solar Powered Pumps up to 10 H.P. capacity, for irrigation purpose with a choice of AC/DC Surface and Submersible Pumps. The Ministry provides a subsidy of 50% of the cost of the pump, 30% of the cost is being provided by the Government of J&K and the beneficiary/farmer has to bear only 20% of cost of the pump.

In addition, the farmers are allowed for Solarisation of grid connected Powered Agriculture Pumps with Solar pump capacity upto two times the installed pump capacity in KW under “Component C” of the PM-KUSUM Scheme. Under this Component, the farmers can export the excess energy to the Grid and shall receive the benefits of the exported energy from the DISCOM. The Ministry provides a subsidy of 50% of the cost of the pump, 30% of the cost is being provided by the Government of J&K UT and the beneficiary/farmer has to bear only 20% of cost of the pump.

The pamphlets containing all the related information of Solar Pumps under PM-KUSUM scheme like prices, subsidy amount, beneficiary share, contact numbers of district nodal person were distributed among the farmers and the officers. Commissioner Secretary S&T advised the Chief Agriculture Officer to identify the prospective farmers who could benefit from the PM-KUSUM scheme and increase their crop production without incurring any cost on irrigation facility.

The District Development Commissioner Samba, speaking on the occasion, thanked JAKEDA for conducting the awareness program at Samba and assured JAKEDA of full support in implementation of the scheme in the district. The farming community requested JAKEDA to simplify the process of sanctioning the solar pumps so that these are installed in shortest possible time. The implementing firms M/s KLK Ventures and M/s Aditya Solar were also present at the event for registration of prospective farmers under the scheme.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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