Srinagar, Nov 13: PHDCCI Kashmir, in association with Tata Power Solar and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), on Friday organised an interactive session in Srinagar to promote solar energy adoption among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting its potential to reduce operational costs, improve profitability and support sustainable industrial growth.

The programme, titled “Solarize Your MSME: Switch to Solar, Cut Costs and Boost Profits,” was held at Amarsingh Club and brought together industry representatives, government officials, financial institutions and stakeholders from various sectors.
Chairman PHDCCI Kashmir, A P Vicky Shaw, welcomed the delegates and Tata Power Solar representatives, appreciating their association in promoting renewable energy solutions for the MSME sector.
Mehmood Ahmad Shah (JKAS), Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), attended the programme as Chief Guest. He highlighted the Corporation's initiatives to promote solar energy among domestic and commercial consumers and outlined infrastructure development works under the IRDS project.
Shah said 8,122 households in Srinagar district had been covered under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He added that rooftop solar installations had been completed or taken up in 656 of the 996 government buildings identified for solarisation.
He expressed hope that incentives for industrial solar adoption would encourage MSMEs to transition towards renewable energy.
Among those attending were SSP Ajaz Ahmad, Tariq Ahmad, Assistant Director, MSME DFO, and Junaid Akhtar, AEE and Nodal Officer, PM-SMGBY-KPDCL. Akhtar gave a detailed presentation on the technical feasibility, scope and benefits of solar adoption for industries, highlighting its successful implementation in the domestic sector.
Hakim Khalid Ahmed of the Kashmir Chamber of Horticulture highlighted the specific requirements of MSMEs and stressed the need for customised solutions to facilitate the transition towards solar energy.
Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, President, Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, observed that Ladakh's tourism sector had adopted solar technology much earlier than Kashmir. He said houseboat owners were willing to embrace solar solutions and suggested a cluster-based approach to make adoption sustainable.
Nasir Shah, Chairman, IATO-J&K and Convenor, Hospitality and Travel Committee, PHDCCI, called for encouraging green energy adoption in the hospitality sector, suggesting that solar solutions should be made mandatory for hotels in view of Kashmir's fragile ecology.
Rohit Singh, Area Sales Manager, J&K, Tata Power Solar Ltd, presented the company's product portfolio and customised solar solutions for MSMEs.
Dr Baba Nazrul Islam, State President, Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir, along with his team, held discussions with Tata Power Solar on developing a scheme to facilitate solar installations in educational institutions.
Ubair Shah, Director, Super-fresh CA Store, stressed the need for financial support and policy incentives to address the high initial investment involved in solarising Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities.
Shahejehan Khan, Director, Hyacinth and Convenor, Food Processing Industry, PHDCCI Kashmir, shared his experience of financing solar and other projects through SIDBI and called for similar technology-driven, accessible financing models from other banks.
The interactive session witnessed detailed discussions on the benefits of solar adoption across different MSME sectors. Participants also appreciated Tata Power Solar's full-system warranty and insurance provisions, while exploring customised solutions for their respective industries.
Paresh Kumar, Regional Trade Marketing Head, North and Central Region, Tata Power Solar Ltd, and Sudesh, Regional Sales Manager for J&K and Ladakh, also attended the programme. Kashmir Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd, the company's channel partner in Kashmir, interacted with participating entrepreneurs.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Qaiser Mir, Co-Convenor, SHE Forum and Renewable Energy Committee, PHDCCI Kashmir, and Director, Orion Valley Solar Pvt Ltd. It was moderated by Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director, PHDCCI.