Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana : India is taking giant strides in the renewable energy sector, and at the heart of this transformation is the Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana in Madhya Pradesh. With a massive investment of ₹20,000 crore, this ambitious initiative promises not only to boost solar power generation but also to create abundant opportunities for small investors and farmers alike.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state is setting an inspiring example by integrating sustainable energy solutions with rural development. Let’s dive into how this groundbreaking scheme is transforming India’s energy landscape.
A Quick Overview: What is Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana?
The Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana (SMKFY) is a solar-powered initiative designed to supply uninterrupted, clean electricity to agricultural pumps during the daytime. This innovative program directly supports farmers by reducing their reliance on traditional, polluting energy sources and stabilizing their access to power when it’s needed most — during daylight hours.
The scheme builds upon the foundation of the PM Kusum Yojana, aiming to go even further by developing solar power infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural feeder system.
Key Highlights of the ₹20,000 Crore Investment
At the recent Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana Summit held in Bhopal, over 350 investors from across India expressed strong interest in the project. This enthusiastic response is expected to bring in investments exceeding ₹20,000 crore, setting the stage for one of India’s largest solar infrastructure rollouts.
Some major highlights include:
- Allocation of land for 22 renewable energy equipment manufacturing units in Mohasa Babai, creating nearly 24,000 new jobs.
- Installation of solar rooftops on all government buildings across Madhya Pradesh by 2025.
- Massive solar projects already operational in Neemuch, Rewa, and the floating solar park in Maheshwar.
- A 15x increase in renewable energy capacity within the state.
- A 48% rise in solar energy production and a 19% boost in wind energy generation.
These developments not only accelerate the transition to green energy but also open doors for local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and job seekers.
How Farmers Become Power Producers
One of the most unique aspects of the Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana is its farmer-centric model. Instead of being passive consumers, farmers are now empowered to become active participants in energy generation. Here’s how:
- Daytime power supply for irrigation helps farmers plan their agricultural activities more efficiently.
- Farmers who install solar pumps can sell surplus electricity back to the government, generating additional income.
- This setup supports India’s “Vocal for Local” mission, creating sustainable business models in rural areas.
“The sun is the ultimate source of life. Through this scheme, farmers not only cultivate crops but also harvest clean energy for the nation.” — CM Dr. Mohan Yadav
Investor-Friendly Opportunities: A Win-Win Model
Investors are being offered attractive financial incentives to participate in this transformative project. Key benefits include:
- Central grant of ₹1.5 crore per megawatt of solar energy produced.
- 3% interest rebate for seven years under the Government of India’s Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
- Financial support through partnerships with major banks like State Bank of India, Central Bank, and AU Small Finance Bank.
- Incentives related to reactive power management, a first-of-its-kind offering in India, ensuring grid stability while maximizing returns.
- Simplified approval process through a single-window system, making project implementation faster and hassle-free.
By offering these incentives, the government aims to attract both large-scale investors and small entrepreneurs into the solar energy sector.
Madhya Pradesh: A Leader in Solar Energy Innovation
Madhya Pradesh is fast emerging as one of India’s most progressive states in the renewable energy sector. The Delhi Metro, for example, is already running on solar power generated from Madhya Pradesh — a testament to the state’s production capacity and national contribution.
The state is also collaborating with neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra for joint solar projects, ensuring power availability year-round through rotational sharing agreements.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Innovation
In a culturally resonant move, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav connected India’s ancient traditions with its modern solar ambitions. He likened solar power to the practice of lighting lamps at ceremonies — a timeless symbol of energy, life, and prosperity.
“Just as all planets revolve around the sun, our energy future revolves around harnessing its infinite power for growth and sustainability.” — CM Dr. Mohan Yadav
Technical Collaboration with Global Expertise
The state government is receiving technical support from GIZ, a German government agency, ensuring that global best practices are incorporated into project design, training, and implementation.
- Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam has signed an 18-month partnership with GIZ to provide extensive training for developers, local industries, and government officials.
- Continuous workshops and training programs are being conducted to upgrade skills and explore new opportunities.
Future Plans: Expanding India’s Renewable Vision
The Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana is not an isolated effort but part of a larger national vision:
- India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Under the PM Kusum-C project, Madhya Pradesh has been allocated a target of 3.5 lakh units, equivalent to around 1725 MW capacity.
This ambitious expansion will not only address the state’s power needs but also help India emerge as a global leader in clean energy production.
Benefits Beyond Energy
The impact of the Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana extends well beyond just producing electricity:
- Reduction in power outages and voltage fluctuations at rural substations.
- Decrease in transmission losses by generating power closer to the point of consumption.
- Environmental benefits through significant reduction in carbon emissions.
- Better utilization of government funds: Savings on electricity expenses will be redirected toward improving schools, healthcare centers, and rural infrastructure.
Fresh Insights: Why This Scheme Is a Game Changer
Let’s add a few additional perspectives to understand why this model is revolutionary:
- Rural Economic Transformation
The scheme is creating a new class of “solar entrepreneurs” in rural India — farmers, small investors, and local industrialists generating long-term wealth from energy production. - Climate Resilience
As climate change impacts weather patterns, solar irrigation offers farmers greater stability by ensuring consistent daytime water availability for crops. - Decentralized Power Model
By producing power closer to consumption points, India reduces dependency on long transmission lines, minimizing energy losses and improving grid reliability.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for India’s Farmers and Energy Sector
The Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Yojana is much more than just a solar power project. It represents India’s visionary approach to merging renewable energy with rural empowerment, turning farmers into energy producers and small investors into long-term partners in national development.
With government support, private investment, and active public participation, Madhya Pradesh is becoming a role model for India’s clean energy revolution — one solar panel at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can small farmers participate in this scheme?
Yes, even small farmers can benefit through solar pump installations and by selling surplus power back to the grid.
Q2: How much financial support do investors get?
Investors are eligible for ₹1.5 crore per MW as a central grant, along with a 3% interest rebate for seven years under the AIF.
Q3: How will this help reduce pollution?
By replacing traditional energy sources with solar power, the scheme reduces carbon emissions, improving air quality and contributing to India’s climate goals.
Q4: Are training and technical support available?
Yes. GIZ and Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam are providing comprehensive training to ensure smooth project implementation.
