PM Kusum Solar Yojana

The Indian government launched the PM Kusum Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) in February 2019 to address the challenges farmers face in accessing reliable and affordable energy for irrigation. Through this program, the government encourages the installation of solar powered pumps and grid-connected solar plants to help farmers reduce their dependence on conventional electricity sources and support the agricultural sector’s growth.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about PM Kusum Yojana, including its objectives, application process, benefits, and key details.

What is PM Kusum Yojana?

The PM Kusum Yojana is designed to assist farmers in installing solar pumps and solar power plants on their agricultural land. The main objectives include:

• Promoting Renewable Energy: Encouraging the use of solar energy in agriculture.
• Reducing Costs: Lowering operational costs associated with traditional irrigation methods.
• Increasing Income: Allowing farmers to sell excess electricity generated from solar installations back to the grid.
• Environmental Protection: Contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions by promoting clean energy.

Key Components of the PM Kusum Solar Yojana

Component A: Decentralized Solar Power Plants

• Objective: Installation of 10,000 MW of decentralized, grid-connected solar power plants on barren land.
• Details: Farmers can set up renewable energy-based power plants with capacities ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW. These plants can be installed on barren or fallow land, and even on cultivable land using stilt structures that allow crops to grow underneath.
• Benefits: The electricity generated can be sold to local distribution companies (DISCOMs) at a pre-fixed tariff, providing farmers with an additional income source while promoting renewable energy production.

Component B: Standalone Solar-Powered Agricultural Pumps

• Objective: Installation of 14  lakh standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps.
• Details: This component supports individual farmers in installing solar pumps with capacities of up to 7.5 HP. These pumps are designed to replace existing diesel pumps in off-grid areas where conventional electricity supply is not available.
• Benefits: By using solar pumps, farmers gain energy independence, reduce their operational costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing diesel usage.

Component C: Solarization of Existing Grid-Connected Agricultural Pumps

• Objective: Solarization of 35  lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
• Details: This component enables farmers who already have grid-connected pumps to convert them to solar power. They can use the generated solar energy for irrigation and sell any excess power back to the grid.
• Benefits: This reduces the load on traditional power sources and allows farmers to utilize renewable energy efficiently for their irrigation needs.

Benefits of PM Kusum Solar  Yojana

• Cost-effective: With up to 90% government subsidy on solar pumps, the yojana reduces financial stress on farmers.
• Eco-friendly: Promotes the use of renewable energy, which is sustainable and non-polluting.
• Income Source: Farmers with grid-connected solar plants can sell excess power to state electricity boards, creating an extra income stream.
• Reliable: Solar pumps provide a consistent power supply, reducing dependence on erratic power supplies.

Required Documents of PM Kusum Yojana

• Aadhaar Card
• Proof of Land Ownership (land records)
• Bank Account Details
• Identification Proof (e.g., PAN card)
• Recent Utility Bills (if applicable)

How to Apply for PM Kusum Yojana

Farmers interested in availing the benefits can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the PM Kusum official website.
2. Locate the Registration Section: Find the link for PM Kusum Yojana registration.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Provide all required details accurately.
4. Submit Required Documents: Attach necessary documents such as your UID card, land ownership proof, and bank account details.
5. Submit Your Application: Review your application and submit it online.

PM Kusum Yojana Price List

The government provides financial assistance under the PM Kusum Yojana, including subsidies that can cover up to 90% of installation costs for solar pumps and systems. The PM Kusum Yojana price list outlines the financial support available based on pump capacity and type.

Current Status of PM Kusum Yojana 2024

• The scheme has been extended until March 2026, allowing further implementation across various states.
• Thousands of farmers have benefited from installations in states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• The government actively monitors progress through State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) and offers necessary support.

Conclusion

The PM Kusum Solar Yojana is a significant step toward modernizing Indian agriculture through renewable energy adoption. By providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable practices, this scheme addresses immediate agricultural challenges while contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and rural development. With continued support from both state and central governments, along with active participation from local communities, the potential benefits of this initiative can be fully realized, paving the way for a greener future in Indian agriculture.