Shortage of electricity will hit food production: CM

The State government would focus on producing power as Karnataka needed to be self-sufficient in the sector, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said here on Saturday, adding that electricity was the most important raw material for development.

There was a lot of difference between potential power generation in the State’s production units and the actual electricity produced, he said at the 44th Foundation Day celebrations of the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL).

“The difference has to be brought down. Besides, the government does not get all the power that is generated. We cannot depend much on private sector as buying electricity is an expensive proposition,” Siddaramaiah explained.

The chief minister also spoke about the practical problems faced by power units and how it was affecting the efficiency in production and distribution. “Overload (too much electricity in an electrical system) and leakage of electricity are the common problems. We often hear of transformers bursting,” he added.

Siddaramaiah said shortage of electricity would affect food production which had been stagnant in the State for the last 15 years.

“We talk of having more irrigation pump sets. Of what use will they be if there is no electricity supply,” he asked, adding that production of sufficient electricity was the most basic necessity to attract industrial projects.

At the event, the KPCL felicitated its employees who completed 25 years of service.