About the Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was launched in March 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It aims to bring modern solar technology to farmers and give agriculture a source of irrigation that does not depend on diesel. Solar pumps offer cleaner, eco-friendly irrigation, and the scheme also lets farmers earn extra income by selling surplus power.
Key Benefits Explained
PM-KUSUM works through three components:
- Component A: Solar or other renewable energy plants of 500 kW to 2 MW can be set up, mainly on barren or uncultivable land. Agricultural land is also allowed if the panels are mounted on raised (stilt) structures with enough spacing between rows so that farming continues. The power is bought by DISCOMs at a pre-fixed levelised tariff under a Power Purchase Agreement of 25 years from the Commercial Operation Date. DISCOMs also receive a Procurement Based Incentive of 40 paisa per unit or ₹6.6 lakh per MW per year, whichever is lower, for five years. Farmers can install the plant themselves or lease their land to a developer on mutually agreed terms, which can turn unused land into a steady source of income.
- Component B: Farmers in off-grid areas can replace diesel pumps with stand-alone solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP. A bigger pump may be allowed, but the central subsidy stays at the level of a 7.5 HP pump.
- Component C: Farmers can solarise existing grid-connected pumps of up to 7.5 HP. Solar PV capacity of up to twice the pump capacity in kW is allowed, though States may allow less (never below the pump capacity in HP). The solar power runs the pump and the surplus is sold to DISCOMs.
For Components B and C, the Central and State Governments each give a 30% subsidy in most States. In North-eastern States, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir/Ladakh and Island UTs, the Centre gives 50% and the State at least 30%. The subsidy is worked out on the benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower.
Who Should Apply
Individual farmers, groups of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations, Panchayats, Co-operatives and Water User Associations are eligible. Components B and C also cover community or cluster-based irrigation systems. For Component A, the project land must be within 5 km of the nearest electricity sub-station.
Applying: Practical Points
Applications are made online: register on the official portal, accept the declaration, log in and submit the application form with documents. Implementing agencies are listed State-wise and component-wise on the PM-KUSUM portal. Keep ready your Aadhaar card, land document including Khasra Khatauni, bank passbook, a declaration form, mobile number and a passport-size photo. For help, call the toll-free number 1800-180-3333.