Agartala, May 12, 2026: Tripura has made remarkable strides in the use of solar energy for agriculture, with the state government intensifying efforts to double farmers’ income through sustainable irrigation facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.
Under a joint initiative of the Power Department and the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA), a total of 8,364 solar-powered irrigation pumps have already been installed across the state, directly benefiting an equal number of farmers. Installation work for another 2,531 pumps is currently underway, which will soon extend benefits to more cultivators.
State Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday conducted an on-site inspection of solar-powered agricultural irrigation systems implemented under the PM-KUSUM scheme at Satdubia village. He also visited the solar-powered Mohanpur Tea Garden village to assess the impact of the initiative on rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister said that farmers in rural areas are highly satisfied with the solar-powered irrigation systems, as they are receiving free electricity and uninterrupted irrigation support, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity.
He informed that each solar pump unit under the scheme costs around ₹3 lakh, out of which farmers are required to contribute only ₹15,000, while the remaining amount is fully subsidized by the government.
Highlighting the achievements of the initiative, the Minister stated that irrigation facilities have already been extended to nearly 41,820 kanis of agricultural land through the installation of 8,364 solar pumps. He further noted that the Tripura government is separately bearing the entire cost of boring or drilling for the pumps — a support measure not being provided by any other state in the country.
“Due to this unique initiative, Tripura has secured the top position among Northeastern states in implementing the PM-KUSUM scheme,” he said.
The Minister further announced that the government has set a target of installing a total of 10,895 solar-powered pumps across the state, which is expected to bring nearly 54,475 kanis of land under assured irrigation coverage.
Once the ongoing installation of 2,531 pumps is completed, an additional 12,655 kanis of farmland will come under irrigation facilities, benefiting thousands more farming families.
Expressing optimism over the scheme’s long-term impact, Ratan Lal Nath said the government’s vision is not limited to generating electricity alone, but also to strengthening the rural economy and ensuring prosperity for farmers through sustainable agricultural development.
