ArdorComm Media News Network
December 9, 2025
Maharashtra has entered the Guinness World Records after installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps within just one month — one of the fastest large-scale renewable irrigation deployments worldwide, second only to China. The rapid rollout, executed under the PM-KUSUM scheme and the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, was completed in 30 days and formally certified by Guinness.
A special ceremony in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar marked the achievement, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, New and Renewable Energy Minister Atul Save, and senior officials. Fadnavis said the milestone represents a transformative shift in agricultural energy access, promising improved irrigation security, higher farm incomes, and reduced dependence on traditional power sources. He also directed officials to target 10 lakh solar pump installations by next year, building on the 7.5 lakh pumps already deployed.
The massive rollout was enabled by pre-planned inventory, digital monitoring, multiple parallel installation teams, and a structured execution model that prioritised drought-prone areas. Strict service-level agreements ensured farmer grievances were addressed within three days, with automatic escalation for delays. Pump allocation followed land-based criteria: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms.
MSEDCL CMD Lokesh Chandra said the achievement stems from systematic planning, transparent vendor processes, and rigorous compliance. Maharashtra has now installed over 7.47 lakh solar pumps and is targeting 10.45 lakh units, making it one of India’s largest renewable irrigation transitions. The model — combining PM-KUSUM (Component B) and the state scheme — is being projected as scalable for other Indian states and Global South nations aiming for energy-secure, climate-friendly agriculture.
The state plans to continue the accelerated rollout, gradually shifting all new agricultural power connections to off-grid solar systems, supporting long-term decarbonisation and reducing the load on the conventional grid.
Source: Economic Times