With monsoon not keeping its date in Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced an increase in three-phase power supply for agricultural purposes by two hours with immediate effect. Post announcement, the farm sector in Gujarat would now receive three-phase power supply for 10 hours instead of eight.
"The decision has been taken in the larger interest of the farmers, so that the production should not suffer for want of water as far as possible," said Saurabh Patel, minister of state for energy, Government of Gujarat.
According to Patel, In normal year the monsoon sets in the state around June 15, while this year it seems to have been delayed, resulting in hardships to the farmers in carrying out sowing operation due to shortage of water.
"Keeping this end in view, the Chief Minister has asked all the agricultural feeders to supply three-phase electricity for ten hours from June 28, 2011, in lieu of eight hours so far.
The new order will remain in force till the next one," Patel added.