(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Encouraged by the response to its scheme to promote the use of solar-powered water pumps for irrigation in Gujarat, the state government-owned Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals (GSFC) Limited will now expand the programme for farmers in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
The blue-chip company, which won the Golden Peacock award for corporate responsibility, successfully launched Sardar Package Scheme in 19 drought-prone districts of Gujarat to save water and power.
Farmers are given a set of solar-powered pumps, a drip irrigation kit and water-soluble fertilizers at an affordable price to help increase agriculture production in areas with no grid power supply.
Dr S.K. Nanda, GSFC chairman and managing director told Khaleej Times that India is set to scale up the use of solar energy-powered pumping systems and aims to make solar energy account for more than 10 per cent of the energy mix by 2020.
"Demand for water pumps in the agriculture sector has been rising rapidly and solar water pumps are viable solutions to fulfil this need. These pumps ensure regular water supply even in areas where there is no power," he said.
The solar drip irrigation system can be used with a control panel that reduces labour and other costs. It can be applied in any field with controlled water supply.
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