Minister stresses solar power use to cut farmers’ costs

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has stressed increasing renewable energy use to reduce agricultural production costs, ensure energy security and promote environment-friendly power.

He said rooftop solar installation at government offices across Khulna division could make significant progress by December if initiatives are taken now.

The state minister made the remarks at a workshop at the BRAC Learning Centre in Jashore on Saturday (September 26).

He said the government plans to expand pilot solar projects of the Department of Agricultural Extension and support NGO initiatives through donor funding.

“Increasing solar power use can significantly reduce farmers’ production costs,” Amit said, adding that farmers could use sunlight to operate irrigation systems instead of depending on diesel prices and availability.

He also urged government offices and district administrations to take initiatives to install rooftop solar panels, saying many institutions could complete the process within one to two months.

The workshop discussed renewable energy targets, financing, carbon credits, incentives, policy support and net metering under rooftop solar projects.

-AJM