In an unprecedented feat of green energy deployment, the state of Maharashtra has officially entered the Guinness World Records (GWR) for the fastest large-scale installation of off-grid solar agricultural pumps. The state successfully installed a staggering 45,911 solar pumps within just 30 days, a landmark achievement formally recognized by the GWR team on Friday.
A Record-Breaking Push for Clean Energy
This accomplishment is not just a statistical win; it marks a significant leap in Maharashtra's transition to sustainable agriculture. The massive installation drive has positioned Maharashtra as India's fastest state in adopting solar-powered agriculture. On a global scale, the state now ranks second, only behind China, in the scale and speed of solar pump installations by a single administrative region. The Vidarbha region played a particularly crucial role in reaching this milestone.
The record was made possible through the synergistic implementation of two key schemes: the central government's PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme and the state's own Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) was the nodal agency that executed this monumental task.
Strategic Execution and Farmer-Centric Focus
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted that this initiative is in perfect alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of promoting clean, farmer-centric irrigation solutions. "The installation of more than 45,911 pumps in one month has made Maharashtra the number one state in solar agriculture," Fadnavis stated. He emphasized that this move would ensure irrigation security, improved farm productivity, and higher incomes for farmers, while simultaneously reducing the burden on the conventional power grid.
The rapid deployment was credited to a robust operational strategy. Key elements included:
- Structured planning with priority given to drought-prone and water-stressed agricultural zones.
- Transparent vendor empanelment and strict service-level agreements enforced by MSEDCL.
- A farmer-first approach, with a mandate to resolve grievances within three days and automatic escalation protocols for non-compliance.
The installations were customized for efficiency based on farm size:
- 3HP pumps for landholdings up to 2.5 acres.
- 5HP pumps for farms up to 5 acres.
- 7HP pumps for larger landholdings.
Verification and a Scalable Model for the Future
Carl Saville from the Guinness World Records team personally visited Maharashtra to verify and announce the record. He noted that while installing 35,000 pumps would have sufficed for the record, Maharashtra surpassed that benchmark by over 10,000 pumps. "The installation of pumps was verified at every stage — from setup to commissioning — before the record was approved," Saville confirmed.
With this drive, the state has also begun releasing new agricultural connections exclusively through off-grid solar pumps. This ensures farmers receive reliable, daytime power for irrigation without dependence on the traditional grid. Maharashtra has already installed over 7.47 lakh (747,000) solar pumps and is steadily advancing toward its ambitious target of 10.45 lakh (1,045,000).
MSEDCL Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra attributed the success to efficient scheme design and strict accountability. "The shift towards fully solar-based agricultural connections ensures equitable access and maximises benefits for small and marginal farmers," Chandra said. Officials believe this model is not only scalable across India but also offers a replicable blueprint for other developing nations seeking sustainable irrigation solutions.
