Patna: Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar has consistently emphasized the significance of renewable energy, referring to it as “real energy.” As part of the Jal Jeevan Hariyali Yojana launched in 2019, he has instructed comprehensive efforts to expand solar energy adoption. In line with this vision, the Energy Department has begun implementing measures to transition agricultural electricity supply from costly thermal power to more sustainable renewable energy alternatives. The state government is committed to providing dedicated electricity for agricultural activities through specialized feeders. Now, this electricity will be sourced from solar and other renewable energy sources. Under the third phase of this initiative, 1,200 MW of electricity will be generated from solar power plants to energize these feeders.
The government has decided to introduce solarization of agricultural feeders, ensuring electricity is generated from solar power and made available to farmers during daylight hours. This transition will eliminate the need for nighttime irrigation, easing the workload on farmers. The tender process for the third phase of this project has been initiated and will soon be widely advertised by the Department of Information and Public Relations.
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav highlighted that utilizing solar energy for agricultural feeders will significantly improve the reliability of electricity supply for farmers. Additionally, it will help reduce the financial burden of electricity subsidies and promote renewable energy across the state.
State Chief Secretary Mr. Amrit Lal Meena described this initiative as a crucial step in addressing the state’s growing energy demands and mitigating the impact of drought-like conditions. Notably, 112 companies have participated in the tender for the second phase, demonstrating strong investment potential with long-term sustainable returns.
By June 2025, all farmers in the state will receive electricity through dedicated feeders for irrigation and agricultural purposes. Out of the required 3,000 feeders, 2,500 have already been constructed, with the remaining set to be completed by June. Furthermore, 2.85 lakh farmers, who have applied for agricultural electricity connections but have not yet received them, will be provided connections by June 2025. The Electricity Department is working on an expedited basis under the Chief Minister’s directives to ensure timely completion.
So far, 5.55 lakh farmers have already received electricity connections through agricultural feeders. The remaining farmers will receive connections by the end of 2025.
Currently, the state consumes 8,000 MW of electricity, with 1,150 MW allocated for agricultural irrigation. This electricity is purchased from thermal power plants at ₹6.74 per unit but is provided to farmers at a highly subsidized rate of ₹0.55 per unit. The government bears an annual subsidy cost of approximately ₹3,970 crore.
Infrastructure Development in Phases.
Phase 1 is where 1,235 dedicated feeders were developed from 843 power substations. A tender for 800 MW solar power was issued. Following approval from the Exchange Commission, three agencies were awarded power purchase agreements for 17.85 MW solar energy to supply 8 feeders across 6 power substations. For Phase 2, a tender has been issued for the solarization of 3,681 feeders (both agricultural load and dedicated) across 1,121 substations, requiring a 1,600 MW solar energy capacity. For Phase 3, the tender for 1,200 MW of additional solar energy is currently in process.
Current Status of Solar Projects in the State includes 180 MW of solar energy projects and floating solar projects that are being developed in Darbhanga and Supaul, with additional work underway in Phulwaria and Rajauli. Additionally, 91 MW of solar rooftop power has been installed on 9,821 government buildings, 18.43 MW of solar rooftop power has been installed on 5,182 private buildings and solar street lights have been installed across all panchayats under the Chief Minister Solar Street Light Scheme.
The state government provides over 92% subsidy on electricity for farmers, making it over 10 times cheaper than diesel. Along with free electricity connections, farmers are assured uninterrupted and high-quality power, which is expected to boost agricultural industrialization in the state.
This strategic transition to solar-powered agricultural feeders is a significant step towards sustainable energy use, cost efficiency, and long-term agricultural growth.
