Mandi cooperative society earns Rs 5 lakh monthly from barren land, money paid by Himachal govt

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MANDI (Munish Sood)

In a remarkable example of rural innovation and sustainable development, Batahuta Agriculture Service Co-operative Society Limited at Patrighat under Sarakaghat subdivision of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh has successfully transformed 30 bighas of barren land into a thriving solar power hub.
By establishing a 1-megawatt solar energy project, the society is now generating a steady income of Rs 4 to Rs 5 lakh per month, showcasing the potential of renewable energy in rural India.
Society Secretary Pitambar Lal, the driving force behind the project, revealed that his long-standing dream was to introduce a sustainable and profitable venture in his rural community.
Due to the lack of irrigation facilities, local farmers were largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture, limiting opportunities for ventures like greenhouses and dairy farming. Additionally, the village’s remote location posed logistical challenges for cold storage, crop grading, and other agribusiness activities.
Seeking an alternative that could thrive without these constraints, Lal proposed the idea of a solar power plant to the society’s management committee. The proposal was well-received, setting the foundation for what would become a pioneering project in the region.

Project execution and financial strategy

In August 2023, the society received official approval from the Himurja (Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency). Within just nine months, the project was completed, and by March 2024, the Cooperative Society Solar Power Project was operational in the villages of Gulela and Hadser in Patrighat.
The total project cost amounted to Rs 5 crore. To fund this, the society secured a loan of Rs 2.7 crore from the State Bank of India, Sundernagar, while the remaining Rs 2.3 crore was sourced from the society’s own funds.
This efficient financial planning ensured the project’s swift execution without compromising on quality.

Steady revenue and bright prospects

The electricity generated from the solar plant is currently being sold at Rs 3.75 per unit, under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited. The plant generates an income of Rs 4 to Rs 5 lakh per month, with peak efficiency of 90-95% during summer and around 70% during winter. The society estimates an annual income of Rs 50 to Rs 55 lakh.
Pitambar Lal is optimistic about the project’s future, stating that the initial investment will be fully recovered within 10 to 12 years. After this period, the society anticipates a significant rise in profits, contributing to both economic growth and community development.

Creating employment opportunities

Beyond generating revenue, the solar project has also created employment opportunities for local youth. The society has implemented solar fencing, installed CCTV surveillance and established washing and cleaning systems to maintain the plant.
Additionally, the cooperative is in the process of hiring an electrician and a security guard to oversee daily operations, providing direct employment in the region.

Reviving unused land for profit

The land for the solar plant was leased from retired schoolteacher Dila Ram of Gulela, Hadser. His 30 bighas of land, previously unfit for agriculture due to stray and wild animals, has now become a source of steady income. Under the 30-year lease agreement, Dila Ram earns approximately Rs 1.5 lakh annually, turning an unproductive asset into a financial boon.

Government support and expansion plans

Pitambar Lal praised the state government’s efforts to promote solar energy under its Green Revolution initiative, highlighting how such projects are paving the way for youth to achieve self-reliance and financial independence.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan emphasised that the government is actively encouraging residents of Mandi district to establish solar power plants under its solar policy. He assured that departmental officials have been instructed to provide full support to individuals interested in renewable energy projects.
Senior Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department in Sarakaghat, Raj Kumar Gupta, confirmed that six solar power plants had already been established in the subdivision, including locations such as Jandhru Kalan, Lower Ghatta, Sulpur Bahi Bajrayana, Upper Bhambla, Gulela Hadser and Maseran Bhadrwar.
He said the government continues to purchase electricity from these plants at Rs 3.75 per unit, further incentivizing solar energy adoption in the region.

Model for rural development

The Patrighat solar project stands as a testament to how innovative thinking, community collaboration, and government support can drive sustainable development in rural areas.
As the society continues to reap financial rewards and create employment opportunities, it sets a powerful example for other rural communities looking to harness the potential of renewable energy.

MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

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