The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan, also termed as PM KUSUM Scheme. This scheme is an ambitious initiative launched in March 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The primary aim of this central sector scheme is to promote the use of solar energy in the agriculture sector while simultaneously enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring energy security.
The scheme seeks to provide financial support for the installation of solar pumps, grid-connected solar plants, and the solarization of existing irrigation pumps, thereby reducing the dependence on diesel-powered irrigation systems and encouraging renewable energy use in agriculture.
Why was the KUSUM Scheme Launched?
The PM-KUSUM Scheme was introduced to address multiple challenges in Indian agriculture:
- Energy Security for Farmers: Many rural areas face irregular electricity supply, affecting irrigation. Solar-powered solutions provide a stable energy source.
- Income Enhancement: Farmers can sell surplus solar energy to local DISCOMs, creating an additional source of income.
- Environmental Sustainability: By reducing diesel usage and promoting renewable energy, the scheme reduces carbon emissions.
- Rural Electrification: Promotes decentralized solar power generation, improving electricity access in rural regions.
- Optimal Land Use: Encourages farmers to utilize barren or uncultivated land for solar power generation.
The scheme aligns with India’s commitment to increase the share of non-fossil fuel electricity to 40% by 2030, as part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
What are the Main Objectives of the KUSUM Scheme?
The KUSUM Scheme has several core objectives:
- Provide energy and water security to farmers.
- Replace diesel-powered irrigation with solar-powered solutions.
- Reduce the financial burden on states for agricultural electricity subsidies.
- Promote renewable energy and contribute to India’s solar power goals.
- Allow farmers to sell surplus solar power to DISCOMs, enhancing income.
- Encourage sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly irrigation.
What are the Components of the KUSUM Scheme?
The KUSUM Scheme is divided into three main components, each catering to different solar energy solutions in agriculture.
| Component | Details | Support |
| A. Ground-Mounted Solar Power Plants | – Decentralized, grid-connected solar plants on farmers’ land – Can be installed on cultivable land without affecting crops – Power purchased by DISCOMs at FiT (SERC) – PBI: 40 paise/kWh or Rs. 6.60 lakh/MW/year (5 yrs) | 500 kW – 2 MW per plant Total target: 10,000 MW |
| B. Standalone Solar Agriculture Pumps | – For off-grid irrigation areas – Reduces diesel usage – Cost-sharing: Centre 30%, State 30%, Farmer 40% – Bank loans up to 30% – NER/Hilly/Islands: 50% subsidy, 20% farmer contribution | 14–20 lakh pumps 7.5 HP (up to 15 HP in some regions) |
| C. Solarization of Grid-Connected Pumps | – Solarize existing grid-connected pumps – IPS: Use for irrigation & sell surplus – FLS: Solarize entire feeders – CFA 30% of cost – Promotes energy efficiency & reduces diesel use | 15–35 lakh pumps Up to Rs. 1.05 Cr/MW (General States) Rs. 1.75 Cr/MW (NER/Hilly regions) |
Who is Eligible for the KUSUM Scheme?
The scheme is inclusive and caters to a variety of stakeholders in agriculture:
- Individual farmers
- Groups of farmers
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Panchayats
- Co-operatives
- Water User Associations
What are the Financial and Technical Support Provisions?
The PM-KUSUM Scheme provides robust financial support:
- Subsidies: 30–60% of total installation costs depending on the component and region.
- Loans: Farmers can access loans covering up to 30% of the project cost.
- Incentives: DISCOMs pay a feed-in tariff or PBI to farmers for surplus power.
Technical support includes assistance from state nodal agencies, training for operation and maintenance, and proper integration with the power grid.
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What are the Benefits of the KUSUM Scheme?
The details of the benefits of the KUSUM Scheme are as follows:
- Benefits for Farmers: Less spending on diesel, steady income from selling surplus solar energy for 25 years, improved irrigation and crop yield, and use of barren land for solar plants.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced carbon emissions and air pollution, promotion of eco-friendly farming, and contribution to India’s renewable energy targets.
- Benefits for the Economy: Lower subsidy burden on state electricity boards, promotion of rural electrification and decentralized power, and creation of jobs in installation, operation, and maintenance.
What are the Achievements So Far?
As of 30th June 2024:
- Around 4.1 lakh farmers have benefited from the scheme.
- Significant progress in solarizing agriculture pumps and installing off-grid solar pumps.
- Steady contribution to India’s renewable energy capacity goals, aiming for 34,800 MW by March 2026.
The scheme has proven to be a transformative step for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy adoption in India.
What are the Challenges Faced by the KUSUM Scheme?
While the scheme offers multiple benefits, several challenges remain:
- Financial Constraints: High initial costs and limited access to bank loans.
- Logistics Issues: Availability of solar pumps and components in domestic markets.
- Depleting Water Tables: Over-irrigation may occur due to low-cost energy availability.
- Regulatory Barriers: Restrictions on grid connectivity and feed-in tariffs.
- Technical Challenges: Integration of decentralized solar plants into the grid may pose stability issues.
Key Takeaways from the KUSUM Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Year | 2019 |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Total Target | 34,800 MW solar capacity by 2026 |
| Total Investment | Rs. 34,422 crore |
| Components | Component A: Grid-connected solar plants, Component B: Standalone solar pumps, Component C: Solarization of grid pumps |
| Subsidy | 30–60% depending on component and region |
| Eligible Entities | Individual farmers, groups, FPOs, Panchayats, Co-operatives, Water User Associations |
| Benefits | Reduced diesel use, increased farmer income, renewable energy adoption, environmental sustainability |
| Challenges | Financial constraints, logistics, water table issues, regulatory barriers, grid stability |
| Achievements | 4.1 lakh farmers benefited, progress toward 34,800 MW solar capacity |
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Questions Based on the KUSUM Scheme
- What does KUSUM stand for?
a) Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan
b) Kisan Urja Samridhi evam Utthan Mahabhiyan
c) Krishi Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mission
d) Kisan Urja Suraksha Mission
e) None of the above
Answer: a - In which year was the PM-KUSUM Scheme launched?
a) 2015
b) 2017
c) 2019
d) 2020
e) 2021
Answer: c - Which ministry is responsible for PM-KUSUM?
a) Ministry of Agriculture
b) Ministry of Power
c) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
d) Ministry of Rural Development
e) Ministry of Environment
Answer: c - What is the total solar capacity target under PM-KUSUM by 2026?
a) 10,000 MW
b) 20,000 MW
c) 34,800 MW
d) 50,000 MW
e) 25,000 MW
Answer: c - Component B of PM-KUSUM relates to:
a) Grid-connected solar plants
b) Standalone solar agriculture pumps
c) Solarization of grid pumps
d) Solar plants on rooftops
e) Solar water treatment
Answer: b
- What percentage of subsidy does the Central Government provide for solar pumps?
a) 10–20%
b) 20–30%
c) 30–50%
d) 50–70%
e) 60–80%
Answer: c - Which entity buys surplus power from farmers under PM-KUSUM?
a) MNRE
b) State DISCOMs
c) NABARD
d) RBI
e) Ministry of Agriculture
Answer: b - Which areas get 50% subsidy for solar pumps?
a) Plains
b) Urban areas
c) NER, hilly regions, islands
d) Coastal regions only
e) Western states only
Answer: c - What is the maximum capacity of solar power plants under Component A?
a) 500 kW
b) 1 MW
c) 2 MW
d) 5 MW
e) 10 MW
Answer: c - Which organization sets the feed-in tariff for solar energy under PM-KUSUM?
a) MNRE
b) CERC
c) SERC
d) NABARD
e) REC
Answer: c
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