Mandya: In a major step towards ensuring reliable daytime electricity for farmers, Mandya district’s first solar power project under the central govt’s KUSUM-C scheme was inaugurated on Thursday at N Kodahalli village in Maddur taluk.The project was formally launched by Mandya MLA and chairman of Chamundeshwari electricity supply corporation (CESC) Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, in the presence of CESC managing director KM Munigopal Raju. The initiative focuses on the solarisation of agricultural feeders to provide an uninterrupted three-phase power supply during daytime hours.The solar power plant, coming up under the Besagarahalli power distribution centre limits, is spread across 15 acres and has an installed capacity of 4.572 MW, making it the first KUSUM-C unit to be established in the district. Once commissioned, the plant will supply power to 1,125 agricultural pump sets, significantly reducing farmers’ dependence on night-time irrigation and improving farm productivity.Officials stated that the project marks an important milestone in Mandya’s transition towards renewable energy-based agricultural power supply. As part of a larger plan, 12 KUSUM-C solarisation projects are currently at various stages of implementation across the district.Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Bandisiddegowda said KUSUM-C scheme would play a crucial role in empowering farmers by offering dependable electricity during working hours and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
