Tarn Taran (Punjab): Punjab's New and Renewable Energy Minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Saturday inaugurated a 2.10 MW solar power plant in a village near the India-Pakistan border.

NRI Ranbir Singh Chhina of Abundant Energy Private Ltd has set up the plant, the state's first, in Chhina Bidhi Chand village at an investment of Rs.16.40 crore.

Majithia said that solar energy was one of the most abundant energy sources in the state and the state's farmers who made India self-reliant in foodgrains were now all set to become entrepreneurs by harnessing solar power from their fields.

He said keeping in view the ever-increasing response to government's efforts to promote renewable energy, a new "land on lease" scheme has been launched.

In just two weeks, around 5,000 acres has been offered by farmers and NRIs, which would be further given to investors on a 30 year lease at an annual lease amount ranging from Rs.35,000 to 50,000 per acre.

Majithia said in just two years, the solar power generation in the state has been enhanced to 225 MW from nine MW. He said 24 new projects of 229 MW capacity in the fields plus 65 MW rooftop projects with an investment of Rs.2,100 crore would be commissioned soon. (IANS)