Solar Irrigation Transforms Tribal Farmer’s Livelihood in Ranchi

30 July 2026, Ranchi: Solar-powered irrigation is helping tribal farmer Mr. Bablu Bhagat of Karkat village, Chanho block, improve farm productivity and household income under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, facilitated through the HDFC Bank Parivartan Program implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK).

A farmer for over 15 years, Bablu earlier cultivated 1.5 acres of land with maize and finger millet, relying mainly on erratic rainfall and unreliable electricity. His annual agricultural income was around Rs. 25,000.

After learning about PM-KUSUM through a Village Development Committee (VDC) meeting, Bablu received a 2 HP solar irrigation pump after contributing Rs. 5,000 as his beneficiary share. Reliable irrigation enabled him to expand cultivation to 3 acres and diversify into vegetables such as cauliflower, chilli, coriander, pumpkin and grafted tomato.

Vegetable cultivation has generated an additional income of around Rs. 80,000, significantly strengthening his family’s livelihood. The solar pump is also benefiting four other VDC members, who collectively irrigate an additional 2 acres, demonstrating the value of community-managed resources and climate-resilient farming.

“The solar pump provides reliable irrigation throughout the year, allowing me to grow vegetables, increase my income and support my family with confidence,” says Bablu.