‘Mission Transmission’: Energy Minister aims for ‘seven-hour uninterrupted daytime power’ for farmers

Bengaluru: Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George recently said that the government was committed to providing seven hours of uninterrupted daytime electricity to agricultural pump sets, and ‘solarising’ agricultural feeders under the KUSUM-C scheme.

Speaking after meeting party leaders and workers at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, George said: “Under the KUSUM-C scheme, we are solarising substations that supply power to agriculture with a target of generating 2,500 MW of solar power, ensuring seven hours of daytime electricity for farmers. Under the KUSUM-B scheme, we are providing solar pump sets with the highest subsidy in the country — up to 80 percent. This is a revolutionary step by the Energy Department for the agriculture sector.”

“Under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, up to 200 units of free electricity are being provided to domestic consumers, benefiting 1.65 crore families. The department is utilising available opportunities to work for the people’s welfare, especially those of farmers,” he said.

“By integrating solar energy with agricultural activities, we are reducing the burden on transformers and curbing power theft. We have achieved progress in power generation and are maintaining reliable transmission,” the Minister added.

“The government allocated ₹55,000 crore for its guarantee schemes in the last financial year. This translates to ₹5,000 per family, which is why Karnataka ranks top in the country in terms of per capita income,” he claimed.