Maharashtra develops Solar Irrigation Model for world: Lokesh Chandra
Maharashtra’s success in solar-powered agricultural irrigation has emerged as a model that can be replicated not only by other Indian states but also by developing countries across the world, according to Lokesh Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Chairman & Managing Director of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).
Speaking at the inauguration of a one-day Groundwater Management Workshop for Off-Grid Solar Irrigation under the Maharashtra Climate Resilient Distributed Renewable Energy Access Programme, Chandra highlighted the state’s achievements under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojna (MSKVY) 2.0 and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojna, saying the initiatives have significantly boosted rural economic growth, employment generation and climate resilience.
The workshop was jointly organised by MSEDCL, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and MITRA. Among those present were Praveen Pardeshi, CEO, MITRA; Sudhir Kumar Goel, Agricultural Advisor, MITRA; MSEDCL Directors Dhananjay Aundhekar (Operations), Rajendra Pawar (Human Resources) and Sachin Talewar (Projects); and Pratyush Mishra, Senior Investment Officer, AIIB.
Chandra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of ensuring that renewable energy accounts for at least 50% of India’s total energy consumption by 2030. In line with this vision, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ focus on providing reliable daytime power to farmers through renewable energy, MSEDCL aims to source 100% of the electricity used for agricultural irrigation from solar energy by March 2027.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s progress, he said the state has installed over 1.1 million off-grid solar agricultural pumps, benefiting an equal number of farmers and bringing nearly 4 million acres under reliable irrigation. Maharashtra accounts for 65% of all off-grid solar pumps installed in India and has also entered the Guinness World Records by installing 45,911 solar pumps in a single month.
Under the ambitious MSKVY 2.0, solar projects with a combined capacity of 6,000 MW are already operational. According to Chandra, these projects have ensured reliable daytime irrigation while helping farmers cope with the adverse effects of climate change through clean energy.
He noted that Maharashtra’s solar irrigation model received an encouraging response after being showcased at the World Climate Conference in Brazil. To facilitate its adoption in other developing countries, MSEDCL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Solar Alliance. He added that while several Indian states are already adopting the “Maharashtra Model”, it can also be implemented globally through partnerships with institutions such as AIIB.
Praveen Pardeshi, CEO of MITRA, praised Maharashtra’s transition from coal-based electricity for farm pumps to renewable energy, stating that data-driven insights developed by MITRA are helping shape evidence-based policymaking.
The workshop also focused on sustainable groundwater management. Dr. Shriram Vedire, Water Policy Advisor to the Chief Minister, presented the use of GIS-based systems under the Water and Related Information Management System. He stressed the need to integrate solar-powered irrigation with groundwater recharge initiatives and strengthen local water user associations to ensure long-term water security.
