Maharashtra achieves a Guinness World Record by installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in 30 days. MSEDCL’s farmer-focused approach boosts irrigation, enhances crop yields, and accelerates India’s clean energy transition under PM-KUSUM and MTSKPY schemes
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis receiving Guinness World record certification for MSEDCL
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has successfully driven the installation of 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days. The milestone was recognised as a new world record by the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Friday, an official statement said.
The achievement positions Maharashtra as the fastest-deploying solar agriculture state in India and second only to China globally in the scale and speed of solar pump deployment by a single administrative region, it said.
MSEDCL’s accomplishment reflects their commitment to accelerating India’s clean energy transition, improving farmer livelihoods, and supporting sustainable irrigation through the effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY) schemes.
MSEDCL’s strategic approach to record deployment
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s operational excellence and farmer-centric model were key to achieving this historic milestone:
Structured planning and prioritisation: Installation efforts focused on drought-prone zones to maximise irrigation impact and sustainability.
Vendor accountability: Transparent empanelment and strict service-level agreements ensured grievances were resolved within three days, with automatic escalation mechanisms for unresolved issues.
Rapid, large-scale deployment: Multiple installation teams deployed simultaneously across districts, supported by pre-positioned pump inventory and digital tracking systems.
Farmer-centric execution: Pumps were sized based on landholding (3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms), with hands-on support for installation, usage, and maintenance.
Policy synergy: Future connections are being given by off-grid solar pumps to ensure a reliable and daytime power supply to farmers.
Through these initiatives, MSEDCL has established a scalable and replicable model for solar irrigation deployment, demonstrating how strong systems, real-time monitoring, and farmer-first execution can drive transformative outcomes.
With over 7.47 lakh solar pumps installed to date and a target of 10.45 lakh pumps, MSEDCL is spearheading one of the largest renewable energy transitions in India’s agricultural sector, creating a model that can be replicated across states and internationally.
A giant leap in Maharashtra’s energy transition
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his transformative PM-KUSUM initiative, Maharashtra has accelerated the shift toward clean, farmer-centric irrigation. In one month, we have installed more than 45,911 solar pumps across the state, making Maharashtra the No. 1 state in India for solar agriculture."
This achievement also ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. Also, the state government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra. Congratulations to State Discom (Mahavitaran), he said.
Lokesh Chandra Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL, said, "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. The State has also adopted a policy to release new agricultural connections through off-grid solar pumps, shifting fully to solar-based solutions."
He further added, "Our pump-sizing policy: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger holdings. This ensures equitable distribution and maximum benefits to small and marginal farmers."
A replicable model for India and the World
Through its structured planning, transparent pump allocation, strong vendor ecosystem, ecological safeguards, and farmer-first execution, Maharashtra has created a national model for clean energy in agriculture which can be replicated by the global south.
The Government of Maharashtra and MSEDCL remain committed to expanding solar irrigation, strengthening farmer resilience, and accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
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