Telangana CM Launches Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme for Tribal Farmers
Launch of Indira Sauri Giri Jala Vikasam
On May 19, 2025, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated the ‘Indira Sauri Giri Jala Vikasam’ scheme in Macharam, Amrabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool district. The initiative provides solar-powered borewells to tribal farmers, enabling irrigation on podu lands previously contested under past administrations. This marks a significant step toward agricultural empowerment in marginalized communities.
Addressing Historical Injustices
Reddy criticized the previous government for imprisoning tribal farmers advocating for podu land rights. In contrast, his administration is installing borewells and solar units to ensure sustainable irrigation. The scheme aims to transform contested lands into productive agricultural assets.
Agricultural and Economic Benefits
The program supports farmers by providing solar-powered pump sets, ensuring irrigation for crops like millets. Surplus solar energy can be sold, generating monthly incomes of ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for farmers. Within 100 days, all farmers with borewells in Achampet constituency will receive solar units.
Food Security Initiatives
The government is distributing fine rice to 31 million beneficiaries monthly, sourced from 15.6 million tons of millet produced in the Yasangi season and 13.5 million tons in the Vanakalam season. A ₹500 bonus per quintal incentivizes millet cultivation, enhancing food security for the poor. This initiative counters past policies that penalized rice cultivation.
Women’s Empowerment Through Solar Energy
The scheme empowers women by involving them in solar energy production, challenging the dominance of large conglomerates. Agreements have been signed to produce 1,000 MW of solar power, with women also managing petrol pumps and market stalls. The government aims to make one crore women millionaires through such initiatives.
Development Goals
Reddy highlighted Telangana’s top ranking in controlling essential commodity prices, maintaining law and order, tax collection, and addressing unemployment. The state secured ₹3 lakh crore in investments and appointed vice-chancellors for 12 universities. Integrated schools are being established in every constituency to bolster education.
Community Engagement
During the event, Reddy interacted with beneficiaries like Alivelu, a degree-educated farmer, who expressed gratitude for the scheme’s positive impact on her livelihood. Addressing concerns raised by another farmer, Lingamma, about land allocation for housing, Reddy directed officials to resolve the issue promptly. Such interactions underscore the government’s commitment to grassroots development.
Political Context and Vision
Reddy emphasized Congress’s historical role in land reforms, distributing 25 lakh acres to the poor, and named the scheme after Indira Gandhi to honor her legacy. He refuted opposition propaganda on social media, citing achievements like creating 60,000 government jobs and facilitating 100,000 private sector jobs. The government aims to prove its governance capabilities through tangible outcomes.