Empowering Farmers with Clean Energy: PM KUSUM Yojana Explained

In a country where agriculture sustains millions of livelihoods, access to reliable and affordable energy can be a game-changer. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana, launched by the Government of India in 2019, is a visionary step in that direction. The scheme aims to ensure energy security for farmers, boost their income, and promote the use of clean energy in agriculture.

🌞 What is PM KUSUM Yojana?

The PM KUSUM Yojana is a government initiative designed to promote solar energy and reduce the dependence of farmers on diesel and electric pumps. It encourages the installation of solar-powered pumps and grid-connected renewable power plants across rural India.

The Scheme Has Three Main Components:

1. Component A:
2. Setting up of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants (up to 2 MW) on barren or fallow land. Farmers or cooperatives can use this land to generate solar power and sell it to the grid.
3. Component B:
4. Installation of standalone solar pumps for irrigation. These are off-grid and ideal for remote areas with little to no electricity.
5. Component C:
6. Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. These pumps can use solar power when available and fall back on the grid when needed.

✅ Objectives of the Scheme

• Reduce the use of diesel and electricity in farming operations.
• Increase farmers’ income through the sale of surplus solar power.
• Promote the use of clean and sustainable energy in agriculture.
• Reduce the burden of subsidies on electricity for agriculture.

💰 Subsidy and Financial Support

The PM KUSUM scheme offers up to 60% subsidy on the cost of solar pumps. Here's how it typically works:

• Central Government provides 30% of the cost.
• State Governments add another 30%.
• Farmers are expected to contribute only 10-20%, which can also be financed through loans.

This financial support makes it feasible for small and marginal farmers to transition to solar energy.

🌿 Benefits to Farmers and the Environment

• Reduced electricity bills and fuel costs.
• Reliable energy access for irrigation.
• Extra income from selling surplus power to the grid.
• Eco-friendly farming with reduced carbon footprint.
• Utilization of barren land for energy production.

📈 Progress and Impact

Since its launch, PM KUSUM has shown promising results:

• Thousands of solar pumps have already been installed.
• Several decentralized solar plants are operational, generating clean energy and income.
• Farmers in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Maharashtra have particularly benefited from the scheme.

📝 How Can Farmers Apply?

Farmers can apply for PM KUSUM Yojana through the official portal of their respective State Nodal Agencies or through renewable energy development authorities. The process usually requires land records, identity proof, and details of existing irrigation equipment.

📢 Final Thoughts

The PM KUSUM Yojana is more than just a solar pump scheme. It’s a bold step toward sustainable agriculture, farmers' empowerment, and India’s renewable energy goals. By turning the sun into a source of power and prosperity, this initiative is lighting up not just farms—but futures.

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