Gujarat  ignores Centre’s solar pump recommendations, incurring losses worth Rs 600 Cr

Ahmedabad : In a glaring oversight, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has bypassed the Centre’s recommendation to install solar pumps equipped with Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) technology. The Gujarat government had already invested ₹200 crore in these pumps, yet they remain unused—resulting in an estimated ₹600 crore loss in electricity savings.

Under the Kusum Policy of the Central Government’s New and Renewable Energy Department, solar pumps have been introduced nationwide to promote sustainable irrigation. However, standard solar pumps operate for a maximum of 150 days per year, whereas those fitted with USPC technology can function for up to 320 days, significantly increasing efficiency and savings.

Raising the issue in the Gujarat Assembly, Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani cited an example from Rajasthan, where the Ashok Gehlot-led government installed 1,000 USPC-equipped solar controllers. A single farmer in the state reportedly earned ₹6 lakh in one year by utilizing this advanced technology on six acres of land.

Mevani alleged that Gujarat’s farmers, in contrast, earn a mere ₹11,000-₹12,000 annually per family due to the state’s failure to implement this technology. He further pointed out that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised USPC technology in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address. However, the Gujarat government’s inaction has deprived local farmers of substantial economic benefits.

Adding to the controversy, Mevani revealed that no tender has been floated for implementing USPC-based solar pumps in Gujarat. He argued that a ₹5,000 crore investment to install 2.5 lakh such pumps could transform the state’s agricultural sector, drastically increasing farmers’ income and financial independence.

Additionally, Mevani claimed that widespread adoption of USPC technology could generate employment opportunities for 10 lakh people across Gujarat, further boosting the rural economy.

The state’s reluctance to act despite clear benefits has raised serious questions about its commitment to farmers and sustainable energy policies. With mounting pressure from the opposition and growing awareness of the potential benefits, the Gujarat government may soon have to answer for its inaction.