In an unprecedented feat, Maharashtra has powered its way into the global record books. The state's electricity distributor, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), has officially set a new world record for the most solar agricultural pumps installed in a single month.
A Guinness-Certified Green Milestone
The remarkable achievement of installing 45,911 solar pumps was formally registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. The certificate was presented at a ceremony held at the Auric City ground in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, on Friday. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hailed the milestone as a testament to the state's commitment to sustainable farming.
CM Fadnavis stated that this record solidifies Maharashtra's position as India's undisputed leader in deploying off-grid solar pumps. He credited the success to the central government's PM-KUSUM scheme and the state's own Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY). "Under PM Narendra Modi's visionary PM-KUSUM initiative, Maharashtra has accelerated its shift toward clean, farmer-centric irrigation," Fadnavis said. He emphasized that this massive rollout ensures irrigation security, boosts farm productivity and farmer incomes, while significantly cutting reliance on conventional power sources.
The Strategy Behind the Record-Breaking Rollout
MSEDCL officials revealed that this record was not accidental but the result of a meticulously planned, farmer-focused operational strategy. The installation drive was strategically prioritized in water-stressed regions to maximize the impact on irrigation. A key feature was a transparent process for selecting vendors and enforcing strict service-level agreements.
An official highlighted that the system mandated the resolution of any farmer grievance within three days. A robust digital escalation mechanism was put in place where unresolved issues were automatically flagged to senior officials for immediate intervention. This ensured accountability and timely solutions for farmers.
The logistical execution was a marvel in itself. Multiple installation teams worked simultaneously across various districts, supported by pre-positioned inventory and real-time digital tracking systems. This allowed for seamless coordination and monitoring of the entire operation.
Equitable and Efficient Pump Allocation
To ensure fairness and optimal use, the solar pump capacity was allocated based on farm size:
- 3 HP pumps for landholdings up to 2.5 acres.
- 5 HP pumps for farms up to 5 acres.
- 7 HP pumps for larger agricultural plots.
This tailored approach guaranteed that small, marginal, and large farmers all received appropriate and efficient systems, maximizing the benefits for everyone.
Transparency and a Sustainable Policy Shift
MSEDCL's Chairman and Managing Director, Lokesh Chandra, underscored that transparency and strict compliance were the cornerstones of this successful campaign. He reiterated the three-day grievance redressal rule and the automatic escalation protocol. Chandra also announced a significant policy shift: Maharashtra has now begun granting new agricultural connections exclusively through off-grid solar pumps.
This move is designed to guarantee farmers a reliable daytime power supply for irrigation while permanently reducing the burden on the conventional electricity grid. "Our pump-sizing approach ensures maximum benefit for small and marginal farmers, driving inclusive growth," Chandra added.
This world record is more than just a certificate; it marks a decisive turn towards energy security and prosperity for Maharashtra's agricultural community, setting a powerful example for clean energy adoption in farming across India and the globe.
