Karnataka Government Plans New Solar Park in Madhugiri, Expands KUSUM-C Initiative

The Karnataka government plans to develop a new solar park at Madhugiri in the Tumakuru district, following the success of the Pavagada solar park, which is among Asia’s largest solar parks. Energy Minister K.J. George announced that this new park will be developed with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDCIL). The collaboration aims to leverage local expertise and resources to identify suitable land parcels and advance Karnataka’s renewable energy goals.
During a review meeting on the KUSUM-C project in Tumakuru, Mr George highlights the increasing annual subsidy for free electricity for farmers’ pump sets. Despite ongoing efforts to regularize these pump sets, illegal connections cause transformer damage and power supply disruptions. To address these issues, the government prioritizes the KUSUM-B and KUSUM-C projects, encouraging the adoption of solar pump sets for a more sustainable agricultural sector.
Mr. George details the KUSUM-C project, stating that generating 1 MW of electricity under this initiative requires 4-5 acres of land. Government land will be offered free of cost and leased for 25 years. Lessees will pay ₹25,000 per acre annually during the lease period. These funds will be deposited in the district collector’s account to develop local anganwadis, schools, and panchayats.
Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary of the energy department, emphasizes the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable energy sources for farmers through the PM KUSUM initiative. This initiative, a joint effort between the central and state governments, addresses farmers’ energy needs and promotes agricultural sustainability.
The review meeting also includes state Home Minister G Parameshwar, District In-Charge Minister Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, Special Representative T B Jayachandra, MLA K Shadakshari, BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi, and Tumakuru District Collector Shubha Kalyan. Together, they work to accelerate transformative energy security for Indian agriculture and expand the state’s renewable energy initiatives.