The Rajasthan government has unveiled a groundbreaking scheme that promises to transform the agricultural landscape and boost the income of farmers.
The Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme, known as Saur Krishi Aajeevika Yojana (SKAY), is a game-changer for the state’s agriculture sector. Launched on October 17, 2022, by Energy Minister Bhavan Singh Bhati, this scheme allows farmers to generate substantial income by installing solar power plants on their unused and barren land.
Saur Krishi Ajivika Yojana
With the primary objective of promoting decentralized solar power plants in Rajasthan, the state government has initiated the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme. Under SKAY, the government leases unused land from farmers and installs solar power plants.
In return, the government pays rent for the barren land, providing farmers with an excellent opportunity to earn extra income. Additionally, the scheme enables farmers to access electricity for irrigation, further enhancing their livelihoods.
The primary aim of the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme is to optimize the abundant land resources in the state by providing farmers with the opportunity to lease their barren land for setting up solar power plants.
The Rajasthan Discoms have created an online portal to facilitate this process. By registering their land for power plant development, farmers can enjoy a new stream of income, and developers can access these registered lands, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved.
| Scheme Name | Saur Krishi Aajeevika Yojana |
|---|---|
| Initiated by | Rajasthan Government |
| Eligibility | Any farmer or landowner in the state |
| Objective | Leveraging the state’s vast land resources by leasing barren land for solar power plants |
| Application Process | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.skayrajasthan.org.in/ |
Benefits of Saur Krishi Aajeevika Yojana
The benefits of the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme are multifaceted and promising:
- Access to Daytime Electricity: Through SKAY, farmers gain access to electricity during daylight hours, revolutionizing their farming practices.
- Extra Income: Farmers can lease their barren land, earning additional income that complements their agricultural earnings.
- Reduced Power Costs: The availability of affordable energy in the state will lower power purchase costs, resulting in reduced business losses.
- Pollution Reduction: As a consequence of the scheme’s emphasis on solar energy, pollution levels will decrease, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Doubling Farmers’ Income: The scheme aims to double farmers’ income by supporting risk protection and providing income streams beyond agriculture.
Online Registration and the SKAY Portal
To streamline the application process and foster transparency, the government has established a dedicated portal for the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme. This portal, accessible at https://www.skayrajasthan.org.in/, serves as a central hub where farmers can register and upload their documents, connecting with developers specializing in setting up solar energy plants. This portal has played a pivotal role in bringing together farmers and developers, making the implementation of SKAY seamless.
Fees and Subsidies
To participate in the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme, farmers need to pay a registration fee of Rs 1180 for setting up a solar plant. Developers also contribute Rs 5900 as a registration fee. These fees, along with the required documents, initiate the application process.
A dedicated help desk at the discom level ensures that farmers and developers receive the support they need.Additionally, developers can receive a 30% grant of the total solar power plant setup cost through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Yojana.
This subsidy not only mitigates risk but also makes the venture more financially attractive.
Since its launch, SKAY has garnered significant interest from farmers and developers. Over 34,621 individuals have registered on the portal, with 7,217 farmers offering their barren lands for solar power plant development.
Moreover, 753 solar power plant developers have registered, indicating a strong demand for this innovative scheme. Notably, 14 farmers and 14 developers have already deposited the requisite fees, and the process of issuing tenders for these solar power plants will commence shortly.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Rajasthan. Any farmer or landowner in the state can apply, and even groups of farmers, registered cooperative societies, organizations, and union institutions are welcome to participate.
The land being offered for lease must be at least one hectare in size and located within a 5-kilometer radius of a substation.
Applicants must provide the following documents for the application:
- Aadhar card
- Address proof
- Land ownership certificate
- Farm title deeds
- Bank passbook
- Passport-sized photos
- Mobile number
The registration process involves visiting the official website of the Solar Agriculture Livelihood Scheme, completing the application form, and paying the registration fee online. This comprehensive approach ensures that the scheme is accessible to a broad range of participants.
Rajasthan’s Saur Krishi Aajeevika Yojana (SKAY) is a visionary scheme that promises to uplift farmers and make productive use of barren lands. By enabling the installation of solar power plants, farmers can secure additional income and access electricity for irrigation, fostering agricultural growth.
The progress made so far is indicative of the scheme’s popularity, and it is poised to make a significant impact on Rajasthan’s agriculture sector. As the state harnesses the power of the sun, it’s clear that a brighter future lies ahead for its farmers and the environment.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable initiative and harness the potential of solar energy on your barren lands. Register on the SKAY portal today and start your journey toward a more prosperous future.
Q. Who is eligible to participate in the SKAY scheme?
Any farmer or landowner in the state of Rajasthan can participate in the scheme.
Q. How can I apply for the SKAY scheme?
You can apply for the SKAY scheme by visiting the official website (https://www.skayrajasthan.org.in/) and following the online application process.
Q. Is there a registration fee to participate in the SKAY scheme?
Yes, there is a registration fee. Farmers need to pay Rs 1180, and developers of solar power plants need to deposit Rs 5900 as a registration fee.
