Maharashtra’s Farmer Centric Solar Plan Draws Global Attention at Davos
International Solar Alliance to showcase the state’s 16,000 MW distributed solar network as a global case study
MUMBAI, Jan. 22 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the state’s ambitious solar power programme for farmers has caught international attention, with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) considering it a model for global replication.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s initiative to supply electricity to farmers entirely through solar energy, describing it as Asia’s largest distributed solar network, currently providing 16,000 MW of electricity.
“During a session on energy transition attended by ministers from Zimbabwe and India, we presented Maharashtra’s solarisation efforts as a case study,” Fadnavis said. “The response was very encouraging, and the ISA plans to share this model with other countries.”
Asia’s Largest Distributed Solar Network
Maharashtra has emerged as a leader in solar pump installations under the Centre’s flagship Kusum scheme, accounting for 60% of all solar pumps in India. The state has also completed 4,000 MW of rooftop solar projects and aims to achieve 52% electricity generation from non-conventional sources by 2030.
Fadnavis said a separate company had been set up to manage electricity supply for farmers through the decentralised solar system, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the Union Renewable Energy Ministry, Maharashtra has transformed its energy landscape in less than a decade,” he added. “With the vision of the Prime Minister, we decided to entirely shift the agricultural power load to solar, creating Asia’s biggest decentralised solarisation plan.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks underscore Maharashtra’s growing prominence in renewable energy and its potential to serve as a blueprint for farmer-focused solar initiatives worldwide.
