Explanation:

Maharashtra Government announced distribution of free sops to encourage farmers to enrol in the Atal Solar Krishi Pump Yojana.

i. The things included: two LED bulbs, a DC fan and a mobile charging socket.

About Atal Solar Krishi Pump Yojana (ASKP):

• Launched in October 2018, it aims to reduce losses due to non-payment of electricity bills and also promote solar energy.

• Farmers with less than five acres will have to pay 5 per cent of the cost of a 3 HP solar pump while farmers with more than five acres will get a 5 HP solar pump and the sops.

• It would provide subsidy of upto 95% on solar agriculture pumpsets.

• Also around 1 lakh solar pumps were distributed to farmers to irrigate 14,000 Ha land. • The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (Msedcl) is the implementing agency.