PM KUSUM Yojana

Introduction

Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is a flagship scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It aims to provide energy security to farmers by promoting solar power in the agricultural sector and helping them transition away from diesel-based irrigation.

Aims and Objectives

• To provide reliable and clean daytime energy for irrigation.
• To de-dieselize the farm sector and reduce environmental pollution.
• To empower farmers to become "Urjadata" (energy producers) by utilizing barren or fallow land for solar plants.
• To reduce the subsidy burden on electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Key Components

• Component A: Installation of decentralized grid-connected solar power plants on barren lands.
• Component B: Installation of standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps.
• Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to reduce grid dependence.

Scheme Guidelines

• Financial Support: Central and State governments provide up to 60% of the system cost as subsidy.
• Loan Access: Bank financing is available, requiring farmers to pay as little as 10% of the total cost upfront.
• Land Utilization: Farmers can lease unused land for solar plant development, creating a steady stream of income.