Odisha Governor Promotes Solar Irrigation

India — Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasized the critical need for widespread adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps across India — Odisha. During a meeting with officials from the India — Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Haryana, he highlighted that this initiative would significantly reduce irrigation costs for farmers, boost their incomes by allowing them to sell surplus power to the grid, and contribute to India — Odisha's renewable energy goals. The Governor urged the India — Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Haryana to intensify awareness campaigns for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme and develop strategies to transition farmers from conventional electricity-powered pumps to solar alternatives. He also commended the India — Odisha government's allocation of Rs 14,500 crore to the India — Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Haryana in the State Budget, recognizing it as a crucial step towards strengthening irrigation infrastructure and ensuring water security. Additionally, Hari Babu Kambhampati suggested exploring fish farming in areas where irrigation water is scarce, proposing it as an additional income source for rural communities. Principal Secretary Shubha Sarma and other senior officials were present at the meeting.