Patna: Bihar government has taken a big step towards providing better electricity for irrigation to the farmers. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, while reviewing the electricity system of the agricultural sector, has directed the officials to provide electricity to the farmers through agricultural feeders for 12 hours continuously from 6 am to 6 pm.
In view of the situation of less rainfall and drought in many areas of the state, the government has decided to give priority to agricultural power system. With the aim of providing adequate irrigation, instructions have been given to make the operation of agricultural feeders more effective, so that farmers do not have to face power shortage at the time of need.
Farmers will get cheap electricity
Bihar government is providing electricity at concessional rates to agricultural consumers. Under the present system, farmers are getting electricity at the rate of about 55 paise per unit. According to the government, about 93 percent subsidy is being given on this. Its objective is to reduce the cost of irrigation and strengthen the economic condition of farmers.
Agriculture feeder ready
More than 2,700 agricultural feeders have been installed in the state so far. Arrangements for separate power supply for agricultural purposes have been made through these feeders, so that farmers can get electricity for irrigation on time without affecting the domestic power supply.
Focus on solar energy also
In the review meeting of the energy sector, the progress of solarization of agricultural feeders under the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM (PM-KUSUM) scheme was also discussed. The Chief Minister directed the officials to rapidly expand the solar energy based power system in the agricultural sector. This will help in providing clean and sustainable energy to farmers at low cost in future.
Big relief to farmers
A large number of farmers in Bihar depend on electricity for irrigation. In such a situation, 12 hours regular power supply, concessional rates and expansion of agricultural feeders are expected to give new strength to farming. If this system is implemented effectively, farmers especially in low rainfall areas can get huge benefits.
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