Braithwaite's Solar Farming Revolution to Cultivate a Sustainable Future for Indian Farmers

Braithwaite & Co. Ltd. has traversed a prolonged expedition to explore diverse modes to leverage renewable energy to empower divergent sectors of India. Being a Public Sector Undertaking, the company's aims and objectives are clear - to explore avenues that contribute to the economic progression of the nation and empower the citizens to become self-reliant. To accomplish this goal, it explored diverse industrial sectors and identified domains amenable to enhancement with the aid of innovation and technological advancements. One of the identified areas is the agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the Indian population and contributes 17.5-18 percent to the GDP. Owing to India's favorable agro-climatic conditions, it is one of the sectors that has witnessed consistent growth over the years. However, in this age of political uncertainty with ever-increasing concern over the over-consumption of renewable fuels, the Indian government is promoting the use of solar energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Braithwaite is contributing to this initiative through its participation in the KUSUM scheme, which involves empowering farmers with resources to increase agricultural output and reduce energy and water wastage.

Braithwaite's Contribution to the KUSUM Scheme: Harnessing India's Solar Potential

With the second-largest agricultural terrain in the world, India holds enormous potential for solar energy initiatives. As a result of the fuel-intensive nature of agricultural activities, the government has launched multiple schemes to utilize renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Aligning on the same page, the KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme is one of the strategically devised strategies that ensure energy security for Indian farmers. Under this scheme, Braithwaite is offering solutions for the solarization of irrigation pumps as part of this scheme initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Braithwaite is equipping conventional irrigation pumps with solar power systems to facilitate their operation using energy harvested from sunlight. It is involved in installing solar panels, inverters, and other essential equipment to harness solar energy and convert it into electricity, which will run the irrigation pumps, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional grid electricity or diesel-powered pumps.

The company is accomplishing this goal by providing services in CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OPEX (Operating Expenditure) modes for all three components. Component A involves the installation of solar power plants on barren/fallow land. Component B concerns the solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps to make them energy-efficient, and Component C centers on the solarization of standalone agricultural pumps. Braithwaite's role in all three scheme components involves offering solutions that empower farmers or stakeholders to install solar panels and related equipment for their irrigation pumps by making direct investments. On the other hand, it is also financing, installing, and maintaining the solar equipment on the farmers' premises. The farmers would then pay for the consumption of solar-generated electricity, potentially reducing their immediate financial burden.

Braithwaite's contribution to the KUSUM scheme is empowering farmers through energy cost savings, providing reliable power sources in remote or off-grid areas, facilitating water resource management and improved crop yields, and offering energy security to farmers. Moreover, it is making energy available in remote areas, and since its equipment is low maintenance, the company is supporting farmers by helping them bear low operational costs and reducing transmission losses.

In addition, the company is supporting the government's efforts to promote the conservation of natural resources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate the need for on-site fuel storage and transportation, and improve water management.

Reflections: Anticipating a sustainable future

Braithwaite's contribution to the KUSUM scheme demonstrates its sense of social and environmental responsibility and underscores its alignment with the national development goals. It believes that implementing better agronomic practices supported by renewable energy sources will pave the path for a sustainable and economically progressive future. In addition to improving farmers' source of income, Braithwaite's venture and initiatives in the renewable energy sector will accentuate India's potential to sustain clean energy. It aims to make a positive impact on society by embracing technological innovation to develop green solutions that are in harmony with nature. By investing in green technology, it is fulfilling its goal of stimulating the nation's economic growth by supporting local suppliers and promoting sustainable supply chains. This initiative of the company aligns with the broader objectives of the country, thus fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the company and the nation's citizens. With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, agricultural empowerment, and creating a forward-thinking and sustainable future, Braithwaite is actively designing a future where sustainable practices are integral to its operations.