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Maharashtra Sets Guinness Record With 45,911 Solar Farm Pumps in 30 Days, Secures $1 Billion AIIB Funding

The push signals a farmer-centric shift to daytime solar irrigation supported by a new dedicated utility plus tighter service rules.

Overview

  • MSEDCL signed a $1 billion loan agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to finance the solar-for-farmers expansion.
  • The state announced plans to create India’s first separate electricity company for farmers to extend solar supply to every farmer by the end of next year.
  • Officials set targets of roughly 10.45–10.50 lakh pumps statewide and a goal of 16,000 MW by moving agricultural feeders onto solar power.
  • Implementation measures include a new online portal for farmer registrations and vendor service levels requiring grievance resolution within three days with escalation to MSEDCL.
  • Leaders said expanded solar generation could allow a 3% annual reduction in electricity tariffs for other consumers.