Budgam, March 20, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner of Budgam, Akshay Labroo, distributed Kisan Credit Card Smart Cards to farmers in a significant initiative aimed at bolstering agricultural support in the district. The event, held at the District Headquarters, marked a milestone with over 6,000 KCC Smart Cards sanctioned in the past month, reflecting a robust commitment to empowering the farming community of Budgam.
The distribution ceremony was part of a collaborative effort involving the district administration, the Department of Agriculture, and local banks. These KCC Smart Cards provide farmers with accessible credit facilities, enabling them to invest in essential agricultural inputs, enhance productivity, and improve their livelihoods. Speaking at the event, DC Labroo emphasised the importance of financial inclusion for farmers, urging eligible individuals to take full advantage of the scheme to drive growth in Budgam’s agriculture sector.
In addition to the KCC distribution, an awareness camp on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was organized at the Sheikh ul Alam Centre within the District Headquarters. This central government scheme, launched in February 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to promote renewable energy by providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month through rooftop solar installations. The camp sought to educate farmers about the benefits of solar energy, including subsidies of up to ₹78,000 for installing solar panels and access to collateral-free loans at a low interest rate of approximately 6.75%.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana awareness program highlighted the scheme’s potential to reduce electricity costs for rural households while contributing to India’s renewable energy goals. Farmers were encouraged to adopt solar solutions to power their homes and agricultural operations, aligning with the broader vision of sustainability and self-reliance. The initiative has already seen significant traction nationwide, with over 10 lakh households solar-powered as of March 10, 2025.
The dual focus of the event—financial empowerment through KCC Smart Cards and sustainable energy adoption via the PM Surya Ghar scheme—underscored the district administration’s holistic approach to rural development. DC Labroo reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring that government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary, fostering economic resilience and environmental consciousness among Budgam’s farmers.
This initiative comes at a pivotal time as the district continues to prioritize agricultural innovation and green energy adoption, setting a model for other regions to follow. With thousands of farmers now equipped with KCC Smart Cards and growing awareness of solar energy benefits, Budgam is poised for a transformative leap in its rural economy.