Coimbatore: The Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers in the district to utilize Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Evem Uthan Mahabhiyan Scheme to utilize 70% of subsidies to install solar power pumps with a capacity of between 5 and 10 horsepower.
This scheme was introduced to encourage farmers to use renewable energy to increase their production.
An official from the Agricultural Engineering Department said last year, 23 farmers in the district were beneficiaries of the scheme and we hope that more farmers will benefit this year.
This department has not received orders from the state government about identifying beneficiaries for this year.
Farmers can also submit solar-powered dryers, which will help farmers to add value to their products and get better returns.
The department is ready to set solar-powered dryers using polycarbonate tarpaulin Greenhouse which spreads from 400 square feet up to 1,000 square feet.
Small and small scale farmers, scheduled castes and tribal farmers and women scheduled to obtain dryer facilities of 40% of subsidies or up to Hospital 3.5 Lakh, which are lower.
Others will receive subsidies of 40% or RS 3 Lakh, which is lower, to prepare facilities, the official said.
A farmer can also prepare solar fences up to two hectares and get 40% of subsidies or 1.35 lakh Rs, which are lower.
Farmers can contact 0422-2434838, 0422-2966500 and 04259-237271 for further details.