In the drought-hit areas of Pavagada taluk in Tamakuru, farmers are putting their barren lands to some use by leasing them out for installation of solar panels. A 2,000-MW solar park is coming up on 11,000 acres of land here covering five villages (Thirumani, Valluru, Balasamudra, Rayacherlu and Kyataganacherlu).
As on April 20, a total of 1,200 farmers have signed agreements with the State government to lease out 8,100 acres. Five acres of land is required to generate 1 MW of power — this means 10,000 acres will be needed to generate 2,000 MW. Out of the 11,000 acres, 10,000 acres will be used to generate power, and the remaining will be used to build sub-stations and offices.
Nagabhushan Reddy, State president of the Rashtriya Kisan Sangha and a resident of Kyataganacherlu village in Pavagada taluk, has leased out his 16 acres after suffering huge crop losses due to deficient and untimely rain and crop diseases. “Instead of suffering losses, at least we get some money to bear the expenses of the family,” he said.
They get Rs.21,000 per acre per year as lease. The farmers want this raised to Rs. 40,000 to benefit small and marginal farmers.
