Indore (Madhya Pradesh): To support farmers, especially during the Rabi season, Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company (West Discom) is providing temporary electricity connections to those who lack a permanent power supply for irrigation. So far, 99,300 farmers have benefited from this initiative in the 2024-25 financial year. Farmers in Malwa-Nimar region receive 10 hours of electricity daily to ensure uninterrupted irrigation for crops like wheat, chickpeas and peas.

Managing director Anup Kumar Singh emphasised the importance of power supply in these agriculture-dependent regions. Temporary connections are being granted to farmers who need access to alternative water sources like rivers, ponds, or wells. A three-horsepower motor connection for four months costs around Rs7,000, making irrigation more affordable. Indore Rural has received 5,022 connections, while Ujjain (11,400), Khandwa (9,775), Dhar (9,600), Ratlam (7,240) and Khargone (5,912) have also seen significant allocations.

Affordable irrigation with temporary power

Permanent connections require higher payments as they involve year-round supply. However, temporary connections allow farmers to irrigate their crops at a lower cost, reducing financial burden, and ensuring electricity access legally. This also helps prevent electricity theft, improves revenue collection, and ensures accurate load calculations.

Support for transformer transportation

The state energy department also provides financial assistance to farmers for transporting damaged transformers to company stores. Over 1,800 farmers have received Rs 17.36 lakh this year under this scheme. The temporary connection initiative continues, ensuring farmers receive essential support throughout the season.