Sops, monsoon failure major factors

Failure of monsoon in some States, delays in getting a power connection for agriculture and government subsidies have contributed to an increase in the sale of solar-powered pumpsets in the country.

According to the Indian Pump Manufacturers’ Association (IPMA), sale of solar- powered pumpsets saw more than 50% growth in 2016-2017 compared to the previous year.

A farmer gets ₹2.16 lakh as subsidy for a five HP pumpset and the scheme expired last month. If the subsidy continues this financial year too, solar-powered pumpset sales might see even a 100% growth.

There is a demand across the country for these equipment, said K.V. Karthik, vice president of Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association. States such as Rajasthan provide insurance cover for solar pumps. This is another advantage, added Utkarsh A. Chhaya, technical advisor to IPMA.

The association is slated to come out with draft standards for solar-powered pumps. Sale of agriculture pumpsets (non-solar) saw a 7% growth in 2016-2017 compared with 2015-2016. Sale of domestic pumps and submersible sewage pumps grew by 15% to 20% while export rose to 25% from 20% a year ago.