The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India in 2019 to promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. The objective of the scheme is to provide sustainable and affordable energy solutions to farmers, reduce their dependence on expensive diesel and grid electricity, and improve their income through clean energy generation. Implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), PM-KUSUM plays a key role in achieving the government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income while promoting energy self-reliance in rural areas.
PM-KUSUM is Structured Around Three Major Components.
Component A
Farmers, cooperatives, and panchayats can install decentralised solar power plants (up to 2 MW capacity) on barren or unused agricultural land. The power generated from these plants can be sold to the local electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), allowing farmers to earn an additional source of income.
Component B
Focuses on the installation of standalone, off-grid solar-powered irrigation pumps for farmers in remote and non-electrified areas. These pumps eliminate the need for diesel generators, reduce operational costs, and provide reliable daytime irrigation.
Component C
Aims to solarise existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. Farmers can not only meet their irrigation needs with solar power but also sell excess electricity back to the grid, further increasing their earnings.
To make the scheme accessible and affordable, the government offers attractive financial support. Farmers are eligible to receive a 60% subsidy jointly provided by the central and state governments. An additional 30% of the cost can be financed through bank loans, while the farmer only has to contribute the remaining 10%. This cost-sharing model ensures that even small and marginal farmers can benefit from the scheme without a heavy financial burden. Since its launch, PM-KUSUM has made significant progress across various states, with thousands of solar pumps installed and multiple grid-connected solar projects commissioned. States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh
have shown encouraging results in implementation. The government has set an ambitious target of installing 32 GW of solar power capacity under the scheme by 2026, making it one of the largest agricultural solar initiatives in the world.
In conclusion, PM-KUSUM is a transformative step toward sustainable agriculture and rural development. It not only empowers farmers by lowering their input costs and increasing their income but also supports India’s broader goals of energy security, environmental protection, and climate action. With the right awareness, implementation support, and policy momentum, PM-KUSUM has the potential to revolutionise the way Indian agriculture is powered.
