Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department Launches Solar Initiative

The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department is embarking on an ambitious solar energy initiative aimed at eliminating electricity costs for its facilities and generating additional revenue through surplus energy sales. State Minister Pankaja Munde announced that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote renewable energy within the department.

On Thursday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Animal Husbandry Commissionerate and Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT). This agreement will facilitate the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for implementing solar energy projects on the department's properties, which include both land and buildings.

Minister Munde emphasized that the initiative is expected to significantly reduce electricity bills for the department's buildings to zero in the near future. Additionally, the department will have the capacity to generate surplus electricity, which can be sold to create a new revenue stream. MAHAPREIT, a subsidiary of the Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation, has expressed its commitment to supporting this solar energy venture.

The project will begin with an assessment of available rooftop spaces, site surveys, and feasibility studies to ensure the success of the proposed solar installations. The first phase will focus on pilot projects located on the rooftops of office buildings at the Animal Husbandry Commissionerate in Pune, as well as at a facility in Beed district under the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board.

This initiative not only aims to enhance the department's energy efficiency but also aligns with Maharashtra's broader goals of promoting renewable energy usage. As the project progresses, it is expected to have significant implications for reducing operational costs and fostering sustainable practices within the state's agricultural sector.