Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, June 9: Farmers in Kulgam district are increasingly turning to solar-powered water pumps to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.
The installation of solar pumps has provided farmers with a reliable and uninterrupted water supply for irrigation, enabling them to cultivate their land more effectively while reducing dependence on traditional diesel-powered systems.
As per official data, Kulgam district has installed 95 solar pumps, while Pulwama leads with 650 installations, followed by Anantnag with 550. The growing adoption of these systems is being seen as a transformative step in local farming practices.
Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, Deputy CEO of the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized the role of solar irrigation in promoting water efficiency and improving crop productivity. “This year, we aim to install 5,000 solar water pumps across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. So far, 3,000 pumps have been installed in various districts,” he stated.
He further highlighted that solar pumps allow farmers to regulate irrigation more precisely, conserving water, enhancing soil health, and boosting yields. Additionally, switching from diesel to solar reduces fuel costs and curbs environmental pollution.
The transition to solar energy in agriculture supports broader goals of green energy adoption and rural development. Both local officials and farmers view this as a crucial step toward a more sustainable and resilient farming model in Jammu and Kashmir.
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