Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has highlighted Gujarat’s emergence as a national model in providing daytime electricity for agricultural purposes, reaffirming that by March 2026, all farmers in the state will have access to electricity during daylight hours for irrigation. The initiative, part of the Kisan Surya Day (KSY) Scheme, demonstrates Gujarat’s farmer-centric governance aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for transparent and efficient delivery of government schemes.
Kisan Surya Day: A Transformative Initiative
Launched in 2020, the Kisan Surya Day Scheme has already enabled daytime electricity supply in 17,018 villages, covering 98.66 per cent of the state and benefiting nearly 1.97 million farmers. The scheme is designed to align electricity supply with daylight hours, optimising solar energy use and reducing pressure on the state’s power grid during peak demand.
Initially, electricity was supplied in two shifts from 5 am to 9 pm, but the scheme was later converted into a single-shift daytime model, providing electricity mainly from 7 am to 5 pm. This transition has improved irrigation efficiency, enhanced safety in rural areas, and boosted overall productivity. Currently, 98 per cent of the state’s substations have been converted to daytime operation, with the remaining 45 rotational substations still in the process of transition to cover 231 villages.
Significant Investments to Strengthen Infrastructure
To support this large-scale transition, the Gujarat government has invested ₹5,353.62 crore, establishing 40 new substations, laying 4,640.73 CKM transmission lines, and strengthening the distribution network through 3,927.72 CKM MVCC works.
Looking ahead, the state-owned Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) has planned a major upgrade for 2026–27, including the construction of five new substations and enhancement of nearly 1,100 CKM of transmission network, with an estimated cost of ₹1,000 crore. Additionally, DISCOMs will invest around ₹375 crore to strengthen the distribution system through AB cable and MVCC works.
Positive Impact on Farmers
The scheme has already yielded tangible benefits for farmers on the ground. Farmers report improved irrigation management, reduced water wastage, enhanced personal safety, and significant time savings.
Jayesh Patel, a farmer from Kankrol village, Himatnagar Taluka, shared his experience:
“Earlier, we had to irrigate our fields at night, risking encounters with wild animals and wasting water. Over the past two years, receiving electricity during the day has resolved these problems and improved productivity. It has truly transformed our lives.”
Chief Minister’s Vision
CM Bhupendra Patel emphasised that farmers are the backbone of the nation and India’s development depends on their well-being, security, and self-reliance. He stated that Gujarat has successfully translated this vision into action on the ground through the Kisan Surya Day Scheme. The programme also reflects the state government’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and farmer-friendly governance.
