₹12,600 Crore Sun Boost for Telangana's Tribal Agriculture

The Telangana government has unveiled the Indira Solar Giri Jal Vikasam scheme—a Rs 12,600-crore flagship initiative aimed at transforming tribal agriculture through solar-powered irrigation.

Scheduled to be launched on 18 May 2025 in Macharam village, Achampet constituency, the scheme will span five years (2025–26 to 2029–30), targeting six lakh acres and directly benefiting 2.1 lakh tribal farmers, primarily those allotted land under the Forest Rights Act (RoFR). The program will provide 100% subsidy support to eligible beneficiaries.

The initiative includes off-grid solar irrigation systems, along with drip irrigation, high-quality saplings, and intercropping support to ensure income generation until long-term crops mature. Telangana becomes the first Indian state to roll out an integrated irrigation and livelihood enhancement program specifically designed for RoFR beneficiaries.

Implementation will be coordinated across multiple departments—forests, energy, agriculture, horticulture, rural development, health, groundwater, and rural water supply—to ensure seamless delivery.

At the district level, Collectors will act as the implementing authorities, supported by dedicated Project Monitoring Units (PMUs). These PMUs will function under ITDA officers in scheduled areas and under tribal development officers in non-ITDA regions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.