An awareness program on "Transforming Agriculture through Solar Power: PM-KUSUM" was organised on the 2nd of August, 2024, at ICAR- KVK, Nimbudera. This event was organized under the 100 days action plan initiative and aimed at educating farmers and rural youth about the benefits and applications of solar power in agriculture. The program commenced with Shri Yatharth Sharma extending a warm welcome to the attendees and providing a comprehensive overview of the training program.
Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR KVK, Nimbudera, delivered a comprehensive talk on the application of solar-powered equipment in the agricultural sector. He discussed various solar-powered technologies such as solar water pumps, solar dryers, solar-powered irrigation systems, and solar-powered electric fences. Dr. Damodaran highlighted the benefits of these technologies, including cost savings, increased efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He further emphasized the broad scope and future potential of solar power in agriculture. He pointed out that solar power could significantly reduce farmers' dependence on non-renewable energy sources, lower operational costs, and enhance productivity. Additionally, solar energy can play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
A short film was presented to the participants, illustrating how farmers can avail themselves of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The film showcased real-life examples of farmers who have successfully utilized this scheme to enhance their agricultural productivity and reduce energy costs. This visual aid effectively conveyed the practical applications and advantages of the scheme.
Later, a field visit was arranged by the team of SMS, namely, Mr. Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science), Mr. Subam Debroy, SMS (Aquaculture), and Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS (Agronomy), showcasing the solar system installed on the KVK premises. The team explained the setup and functioning of the solar equipment, showcasing how the KVK has benefited from its implementation.
The program was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair. About 20 farmers and farm women participated and gained valuable insights and knowledge from the training. The attendees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about solar power applications in agriculture and were motivated to consider adopting these technologies in their own fields.