Bhatti Seeks Centre’s Help To Enhance Agriculture Sector In Telangana
Bhatti urges Centre to allocate solar pump sets to Telangana in large numbers
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday met Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi and urged to allocate a large number of solar pump sets to Telangana, which is excelling in the renewable energy sector.
He requested the Union Minister to extend appropriate support and cooperation to Telangana, which is making rapid progress and demonstrating excellence in various sectors across the country.
The Telangana government is implementing a robust action plan to strengthen the renewable energy sector in light of current and future agricultural power needs, including uninterrupted electricity supply. He made representations to the Central government during his interaction with the Union Minister.
Bhatti requested that the Ministry allocate 4,000 MW of solar power plants, with capacities ranging from 500 KW to 2 MW, to Telangana under PM-KUSUM Component-A, as previously decided. He informed the Minister that there were reports of this allocation being revised and reduced from 4,000 MW to 1,000 MW after a review during the government’s expression of interest period.
He emphasized that such a reduction would severely impact the State’s renewable energy targets and urged the Centre to reconsider the move in light of Telangana’s achievements in the renewable energy sector.
To provide a permanent irrigation solution to the agriculture sector in the State, Bhatti requested that one lakh solar pump sets be allocated under PM-KUSUM Component-B. He mentioned that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project has already been submitted to the Central government through TSREDCO.
He also informed the Union Minister that the State was prepared to contribute its share of the funds. Highlighting challenges such as restrictions under forest laws on laying power lines in tribal farming areas, he sought the Centre’s sympathetic support in this regard.
Bhatti urged the Union Minister to allocate two lakh pump sets to Telangana under PM-KUSUM Component-C. He explained that currently, lakhs of pump sets are being used for agricultural irrigation needs in the State.
He stressed that this support was essential to reduce the burden on the conventional electricity sector. He reminded the Union Minister that Telangana has achieved the highest annual growth rate in agriculture in the country and has emerged as the “Rice Bowl of India” due to its impressive food grain production.
Highlighting the implementation of prestigious programs like the “Rythu Bharosa” scheme, he emphasized that with the Centre’s support, the State could accomplish even greater feats in the agriculture sector.