Odisha has taken another major step towards promoting renewable energy and rural development with the commissioning of a 2 MW solar power plant in Bahalda, Mayurbhanj district under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme. The project highlights how farmers can transform unused land into sustainable income-generating assets while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.
The solar power project has been developed by Krishna Chandra Mandal, a farmer from Basingi village, who converted nearly six acres of his land into a solar generation facility. The project was officially inaugurated by TPNODL Chief Executive Officer Dushyant Kumar Tyagi at the Bahalda Section Primary Substation.
Farmer Becomes a Clean Energy Entrepreneur
The solar plant has been developed by M/s Slnko Pvt. Ltd. under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model. Through a long-term commercial agreement with GRIDCO and TPNODL, the project will provide Krishna Chandra Mandal with a stable source of income for several years while supplying renewable electricity to the state power grid.
The initiative demonstrates how government schemes can empower farmers by creating new livelihood opportunities beyond traditional agriculture.
Powering Nearly 5,000 Consumers
The 2 MW facility is capable of generating around 8,000 units of electricity every day under favourable weather conditions. The electricity is supplied directly into the local distribution network through a dedicated feeder line.
Officials said the project will benefit nearly 5,000 consumers by improving voltage stability, reducing transmission losses and strengthening electricity supply in surrounding rural areas.
Strengthening Rural Power Infrastructure
Northern Odisha has traditionally experienced voltage fluctuations due to its distance from major centralized power generation stations. By generating electricity close to the point of consumption, decentralized solar projects help improve grid efficiency while ensuring reliable daytime power for households and agricultural users.
Speaking during the inauguration, TPNODL CEO Dushyant Kumar Tyagi said localized renewable energy projects are essential for building resilient rural electricity networks and accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
PM-KUSUM Driving Rural Solar Adoption
The project has been developed under the Central Government’s PM-KUSUM Scheme, which encourages farmers to utilize barren or unused agricultural land for grid-connected solar projects of up to 2 MW.
Besides generating clean electricity, the scheme enables farmers to earn long-term income through power generation while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Model for Future Renewable Projects
Officials believe the Bahalda solar facility will serve as a model for similar farmer-led renewable energy projects across Odisha. With more decentralized solar installations planned in rural areas, the state aims to improve energy security, strengthen local electricity infrastructure and promote sustainable development through clean energy adoption.
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