India Leads $4-Billion Solar Mission to Empower Farmers Across Africa, 8 Points
ЁЯТ░ ISA to Replicate тВ╣34000-Crore PM-KUSUM Scheme in Africa & Island Nations: Boosting Solar Irrigation and Food Security Across Continents
1. Overview: IndiaтАЩs Solar Success Goes Global
1.1. Initiative: International Solar Alliance (ISA) to replicate IndiaтАЩs PM-KUSUM scheme across Africa and small island nations.
1.2. Announcement by: Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of ISA Assembly.
1.3. ISA Formation: Jointly launched by India and France in 2015 at COP21 (Paris).
1.4. Membership: 124 countries (members + signatories).
2. Financial Snapshot: PM-KUSUM Scheme
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | тВ╣34,000 crore (approx. $4 billion) |
| Solar Power Target | 100 GW solar capacity on farmersтАЩ lands |
| Solar Pumps (Off-grid) | 14 lakh to be installed |
| Solarised Grid Pumps | 35 lakh units |
| Beneficiaries | Farmers and rural communities |
| Goal | Reduce fuel costs, boost farm income, and cut carbon emissions |
3. Africa & Island Nations: The Next Frontier
3.1. Objective: Bring IndiaтАЩs solar irrigation success to countries facing connectivity and energy access issues.
3.2. Focus Regions: Africa and small island developing states (SIDS).
3.3. ISA Platform Role: Acts as a collaborative hub for project aggregation and funding.
4. AfricaтАЩs Energy and Food Challenge
| Key Indicator | Africa | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigated Arable Land | 4% | 60% |
| Food Imports | $400 billion annually | тАФ |
| Energy Access (Rural) | <50% | тАФ |
4.1. Problem: Low irrigation and limited power access hinder agricultural productivity.
4.2. Opportunity: Solar pumps can cut irrigation costs, boost yields, and reduce import dependency.
4.3. Expected Outcome: Improved energy security, food sovereignty, and rural income.
5. IndiaтАЩs Renewable Energy Leadership
5.1. Global Ranking:
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ЁЯеЙ 3rd largest in solar power
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ЁЯПЕ 4th in wind power
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ЁЯМН 3rd in total renewable installations
5.2. Manufacturing Strength:
| Sector | Global Rank | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Module Manufacturing | 2nd (after China) | тАФ |
| Green Hydrogen Production | Emerging leader | 5 million tonnes by 2031 |
5.3. Strategic Goal: Strengthen energy independence and export solar expertise globally.
6. ISAтАЩs Global Impact Potential
6.1. Scaling Model: Use aggregated funding and technical cooperation to deploy solar pumps.
6.2. Benefits:
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Lower energy costs for farmers.
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Enhanced irrigation and food production.
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Expansion of IndiaтАЩs clean energy diplomacy.
6.3. Long-Term Vision: Enable climate-resilient agriculture and green energy transition for developing nations.
7. Key Voices
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Pralhad Joshi (MNRE Minister): тАЬWeтАЩre showcasing IndiaтАЩs solar programmes globally through ISA.тАЭ
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Ashish Khanna (ISA DG): тАЬAfrica needs a PM-KUSUM story тАФ affordable solar irrigation can change lives.тАЭ
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Santosh Kumar Sarangi (MNRE Secretary): тАЬIndia is not just deploying solar; itтАЩs also manufacturing at scale.тАЭ
8. Economic and Developmental Takeaways
| Metric | India | Africa (Target Outcome) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Pump Penetration | >49 lakh (planned) | Pilot phase underway |
| Irrigated Land Share | ~60% | Target: 15тАУ20% with solar pumps |
| Investment Size | тВ╣34,000 crore | Multi-nation ISA fund (in formation) |
8.1. Economic Multiplier: Solar irrigation can raise farm incomes by 30тАУ50% and cut diesel costs by up to 70%.
8.2. Climate Impact: Estimated carbon savings of 27 million tonnes annually (India).
Disclaimer (For The Profit India):
This article is for informational purposes only. The figures, projections, and financial data are based on publicly available government and institutional reports. The Profit India does not provide investment or policy advice. Readers are advised to verify all data before making financial or strategic decisions.
