Maharashtra has created a new global benchmark by installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days, as recognised by the Guinness World Records. This achievement positions the state as India’s fastest-deploying solar agriculture region and second only to China worldwide in scale and speed.
The installations, led by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), support sustainable irrigation, improve farmer livelihoods, and accelerate India’s clean energy transition. The initiative aligns with PM-KUSUM Component B and the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY) schemes, ensuring farmer-centric and environmentally sustainable deployment.
MSEDCL’s strategic approach
MSEDCL focused on drought-prone zones and employed structured planning, multiple installation teams, digital tracking, and strict vendor accountability. Pumps were sized based on farm holdings—3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms—ensuring equitable benefits.
This operational model combines transparency, real-time monitoring, and farmer support, creating a scalable and replicable system for solar irrigation. With over 7.47 lakh pumps installed so far and a target of 10.45 lakh, Maharashtra leads one of India’s largest renewable energy transitions in agriculture.
The state government has committed to expanding solar irrigation further, ensuring reliable day-time power supply, improving crop productivity, and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. Maharashtra’s approach is now considered a model for both national and global replication in clean energy-driven agriculture.
