In a single-month rollout recognised by Guinness World Records, Maharashtra has installed 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps, marking one of the fastest renewable irrigation deployments globally and placing the state behind only China in scale and speed.
The drive executed under PM-KUSUM and the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, was completed in 30 consecutive days, with Guinness World Records formally certifying the deployment.
This achievement was marked by a specialized event by the energy department in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, New and Renewable Energy Minister Atul Save, and other dignitaries from the state government and beyond.
Speaking on the occassion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the installation drive marks a structural shift in agricultural energy access. “This achievement ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. The state government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra.”
The CM also gave the officers a target of achieving 10 lakh solar pump installation in the state by next year. Notably, the state has already installed 7.5 lakh solar pumps till date.
The deployment relied on a high-volume implementation framework that included pre-positioned inventory, digital monitoring, multiple concurrent installation teams, and a structured execution plan focusing initially on drought-affected zones, said an official government release.
“Farmer grievance timelines were capped through strict service-level agreements with empanelled vendors, with automatic escalation triggered for unresolved cases beyond three days. Pumps were allocated based on land size: 3 HP for holdings up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farmland categories,” it further read.
Lokesh Chandra, Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL, said the outcome reflects systemic execution rather than a one-off push.
“This success has been possible due to efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment, and strict service-level compliance. Every vendor is mandated to resolve farmer grievances within three days, failing which the matter escalates to MSEDCL for action. The State has also adopted a policy to release new agricultural connections through off-grid solar pumps, shifting fully to solar-based solutions. Our pump-sizing policy, 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger holdings, ensures equitable distribution and maximum benefits to small and marginal farmers.”
With more than 7.47 lakh solar pumps installed so far and a target of 10.45 lakh units, Maharashtra is now implementing one of the largest renewable irrigation shifts in India.
The model developed under PM-KUSUM (Component B) and the state’s Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana is being positioned as scalable and replicable for other Indian states and for Global South economies pursuing energy-secure irrigation systems.
The government has stated that the accelerated rollout will continue as the state transitions new agricultural power connections entirely to off-grid solar systems, reducing dependency on conventional grid supply and supporting long-term decarbonisation in the agricultural sector.
