Maharashtra’s innovative solar power model for farmers earned global applause at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2026. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis showcased the state’s success story during an energy transition session with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), where leaders from countries like Zimbabwe praised it as a replicable blueprint. This decentralized solar initiative shifts agricultural power entirely to renewables, powering farmers reliably and sustainably.
Fadnavis highlighted Asia’s largest distributed solar network, supplying 16,000 MW (16 GW) of electricity directly to farmers via solar feeders. The state leads PM Modi’s Kusum scheme, hosting 60% of India’s solar pumps nationwide. A new company formed for this purpose will complete the full 16 GW rollout by December 2026, transforming agriculture in under a decade under Modi’s vision. Maharashtra has also installed 4,000 MW of rooftop solar, targeting 52% renewable energy in its mix by 2030.
Global delegates lauded the model’s scalability, with ISA planning to study and share it as a case study for other nations facing energy and farming challenges. This aligns with India’s renewable push: solar capacity hit 100 GW nationally by late 2025, with Maharashtra contributing over 20%. Benefits include cutting subsidies, reducing grid strain, and curbing emissions equivalent to 300 crore trees’ absorption. Farmers gain 24/7 solar power, boosting irrigation and incomes without fossil fuels.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is Maharashtra’s solar model for farmers?
A decentralized network supplies 16,000 MW solar power via dedicated feeders, leading Kusum scheme with 60% national solar pumps.
2. When will the full project complete?
By end of 2026, generating 16 GW through a new company for steady farmer electricity.
3. Why was it praised at Davos?
Global leaders and ISA hailed it as scalable; set for case study sharing with other countries.
4. What are key achievements so far?
4,000 MW rooftop solar done; 52% renewables targeted by 2030, cutting emissions like 300cr trees.