Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis receives the Guinness World Records certificate on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra
Maharashtra has achieved a landmark feat by installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days—a scale and speed now submitted to the Guinness World Records.
Led by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), the initiative positions the State as India’s fastest solar pump deployer and places it second only to China globally among single administrative regions.
This extraordinary pace reflects MSEDCL’s focused approach to clean energy adoption, sustainable irrigation and farmer welfare under the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana schemes.
The company concentrated its efforts in drought-prone regions where solar pumps can create maximum irrigation impact. A tightly managed system of vendor accountability, transparent empanelment and strict service-level agreements ensured smooth execution and rapid resolution of any grievances.
Simultaneously, multiple on-ground teams worked across districts, backed by pre-positioned pump inventories and real-time digital tracking that enabled swift installation at scale.
The deployment remained deeply farmer-centric. Pump capacity was matched to landholding size—3 HP for farms up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres and 7 HP for larger plots—while farmers received hands-on support for installation, operation and maintenance. The initiative is also aligned with broader policy goals, ensuring reliable, daytime power supply for agriculture through off-grid solar solutions.
With more than 7.47 lakh solar pumps already installed and a target of 10.45 lakh, Maharashtra is now at the forefront of India’s agricultural renewable-energy transition. MSEDCL’s achievement demonstrates how strong planning, real-time monitoring and farmer-first systems can transform rural energy access and create a scalable model for other States and countries to replicate.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “This achievement ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. The State government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra.
Lokesh Chandra, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, MSEDCL, added, “This success has been possible due to efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment and strict service-level compliance. Every vendor is mandated to resolve farmer grievances within three days, failing which the matter escalates to MSEDCL for action.”
Published on December 6, 2025