The Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA), in collaboration with Oswal Pumps Pvt. Ltd., organised an awareness programme on the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme at the Conference Hall, Baroo, on July 22. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers across the region.

Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, attended the programme as the chief guest, while the Chief Horticulture Officer was the guest of honour. The event highlighted the role of renewable energy in strengthening the agricultural sector in Kargil.

The programme began with a welcome address by Kacho Ahmed Khan, Project Director and CEO, KREDA, who outlined the objective of the event and emphasised the importance of creating awareness about the PM-KUSUM Scheme and its benefits for farmers.

Ali Naqi, Project Coordinator, KREDA, delivered a detailed presentation explaining the scheme's key features, including the benefits of solar-powered irrigation pumps and solar power plants, the procurement process, and the government subsidies available under the scheme. The presentation focused on helping farmers understand the financial and environmental advantages of adopting solar energy.

Addressing the gathering, Rakesh Kumar encouraged farmers to approach KREDA to avail themselves of the benefits of the PM-KUSUM Scheme. He also directed KREDA to coordinate with the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Irrigation departments to ensure wider implementation of the scheme. He suggested that farmers could procure solar pumps collectively through community or group-based models to reduce costs and maximise benefits.

Representatives from Oswal Pumps Pvt. Ltd. showcased the company's manufacturing capabilities and successful field installations through a presentation. They also interacted with farmers, addressed technical queries, and shared information on the operation and maintenance of solar pumps.

The Chief Horticulture Officer, Ali Raza, urged farmers to take advantage of government schemes and emphasised the adoption of drip irrigation systems in view of the region's water scarcity. He noted that solar-powered irrigation systems could effectively complement water-efficient farming practices.

Mohd Hassa, Sub-Divisional Officer (Agriculture), informed participants about other government initiatives, including the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, and highlighted how these programmes could complement the objectives of PM-KUSUM.

An interactive open forum allowed farmers to raise questions and share feedback. The session received an enthusiastic response, with many participants expressing interest in adopting solar-powered agricultural solutions.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kacho Ahmed Khan, who thanked the dignitaries, farmers, and representatives of Oswal Pumps for their participation. Informative pamphlets on the PM-KUSUM Scheme were also distributed among the participants.

The awareness programme aimed to promote renewable energy adoption, particularly solar irrigation pumps, and support sustainable agricultural practices while contributing to Ladakh's vision of becoming a carbon-neutral region.