In a significant announcement for the agricultural community, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has set a definitive deadline for providing uninterrupted daytime electricity to every farmer in the state. The ambitious goal is to be achieved by March 2026 under the flagship Kisan Suryodaya Yojana (KSY).
Massive Investment and Current Reach
The state government, through the Gujarat Energy Transmission Company Ltd (GETCO), has already invested a substantial sum of Rs 5,353.62 crore into the KSY scheme. This investment has yielded impressive results, with the initiative currently benefiting 17,018 villages. This figure represents a staggering 98.66% of all villages in Gujarat.
As a direct result of this scheme, the number of farmers receiving dedicated daytime power for irrigation and other agricultural work has soared to 19.69 lakh. "Almost 98% of farmers in the state now receive electricity during the day," Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was quoted as saying in an official statement released on Monday.
Infrastructure Push for 100% Coverage
To bridge the remaining gap and achieve universal coverage, the government has sanctioned a further major infrastructure upgrade. GETCO plans to strengthen the state's transmission network with an additional estimated expenditure of Rs 1,000 crore.
This next phase of development will involve:
- Establishing five new substations.
- Laying approximately 1,100 circuit kilometres (CKM) of transmission lines.
This enhanced infrastructure is critical for ensuring reliable and quality power supply during the designated daytime hours of 7 AM to 5 PM for all agricultural connections.
Impact and the Road Ahead
The Kisan Suryodaya Yojana is a transformative scheme aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and easing the lives of farmers. Reliable daytime electricity allows farmers to operate water pumps and equipment without relying on erratic night-time supply, leading to better crop management and potentially higher yields.
With the March 2026 target now officially declared, the focus shifts to the efficient execution of the planned infrastructure projects. The completion of this mission will mark a major milestone in Gujarat's efforts to empower its agricultural sector with consistent and crucial power resources.
