New innovations and technologies in the field of solar energy is worthwhile only when it reachs the doorsteps of farmers and is used in agriculture:CM Siddarammaiah

Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)

* Development of the country happens only when there are more and more researches in the field of agriculture and they reach the farmers: CM Siddaramaiah.

*Target of 60 thousand MW power generation in next 7 years: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announces.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Government has aimed to generate 60 thousand megawatts of electricity in the state in the next 7 years. And said that the preparations in this direction has already begun.

He was speaking after inaugurating the solar energy fair organized at GKVK today He also launched Kusum “B” and “C” projects and inaugurated the power substations.

Karnataka is the second most arid state in the country. Therefore priority should be given to researches in dryland agriculture.

With rising population the crop’s yield is reducing. Therefore, in order to give more support to integrated agriculture,the government is giving full cooperation and support to the development of alllied agricultural activities,he said.

At present 32 thousand megawatts of electricity is being generated in the state.He announced that we have set a target of 60,000 megawatt power generation in the next 7 years.

The state government has increased the amount of subsidy for solar power pump sets and panels from 30% to 50%.He called that farmers should use this facility of our government more and more.

By increasing the use of solar energy,it is possible to overcome the shortage of electricity.Therefore, he suggested that the farmers should be convinced about this.

Till date,the state government has given 5320 crore rupees to the energy department for free electricity up to 200 units which are being used by one crore and twenty lakh families of the country.

Our people are getting zero bill.Our government has successfully implemented this public utility guarantee scheme, the CM reiterated.

New innovations in the field of solar energy, technologies must reach the doorsteps of farmers and must be put to use in agriculture,only then it is worthwhile.

Development of the country is possible only when more and more research is done in the field of agriculture and it reaches the farmers.

Farmers should grow more food and export it to foreign countries.Our government will provide all assistance for this, he said.

Central government is giving only 30% subsidy for solar power. But the state government is giving 50% subsidy. The CM quipped that Modi’s subsidy is only namesake.

Energy Minister,KJ George,Higher Education Minister, MC Sudhakar,Chief Minister’s Politician,Govindaraju, Naseer Ahmed,Vidhan Parishad Members,Sudham Das, Credel President and Sringeri MLA Rajugowda and senior officials of Energy Department were present.