The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was launched in 2019 with the vision of ensuring energy security for farmers while also advancing India’s commitment to clean energy. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), is revolutionising Indian agriculture by promoting solar energy solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Empowering farmers through solar farming
For decades, farmers across India have struggled with erratic power supply, high electricity costs, and the environmental impact of diesel-powered pumps. The PM-KUSUM scheme is changing this narrative, providing farmers with access to solar energy that not only powers irrigation but also creates new income opportunities.
In Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, the farmers of Danta Taluka have become early adopters of this initiative, leading the way in harnessing solar power for agricultural activities. Their stories reflect the tangible benefits of renewable energy in farming.
Take Bachhubhai, for instance, a farmer from Banaskantha who once faced constant challenges due to unpredictable electricity supply. He often had to wake up at odd hours to water his fields whenever power was available. Upon learning about the PM-KUSUM scheme, he applied online, and within three months, his solar pump was up and running.
Now, he has a steady water supply from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, eliminating his monthly electricity bill of Rs 10,000. Additionally, the 25-year warranty on his solar panel assures him long-term stability and savings.
Similarly, Meghraj, another farmer in the region, has seen a transformation in his agricultural practices. With solar-powered irrigation, he can now cultivate his land year-round without worrying about power cuts. Danta Taluka alone has seen solar pumps installed in 30 out of its 116 villages, making farming more efficient and less financially burdensome for numerous families.
Key features and objectives of PM-KUSUM
The PM-KUSUM scheme has been meticulously designed to address critical agricultural challenges while promoting sustainability. It focuses on three major objectives:
1. Providing Subsidised Solar Power Solutions: The scheme significantly reduces the financial burden on farmers by offering subsidies for solar-powered pumps. The cost-sharing model includes 60 per cent government subsidy, 30 per cent soft loans, and only 10 per cent farmer contribution.
2. Increasing Farmers’ Income: Farmers can install grid-connected solar power plants of up to 2MW capacity on barren land, allowing them to generate additional income by selling surplus electricity to power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
3. Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels: By replacing diesel-powered pumps with solar alternatives, the scheme supports eco-friendly farming practices and helps lower India’s carbon footprint.
Latest developments in PM-KUSUM (2025)
To enhance its effectiveness and accessibility, the government has introduced several updates to the PM-KUSUM scheme:
• Extension of Scheme: The initiative has been extended until March 31, 2026, ensuring continued support for farmers transitioning to renewable energy.
• Increased Financial Assistance: Subsidies for solar pumps of up to 15 HP now range from 30 per cent to 50 per cent, benefiting farmers, particularly those in remote and hilly regions like the Northeast.
• Key Components:
- Component A: Installation of 10,000 MW of decentralised solar power plants.
- Component B: Deployment of 14 lakh standalone solar pumps in off-grid areas.
- Component C: Solarisation of 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
• Relaxation of Norms: The Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) for solar cells under Component C has been relaxed until March 31, 2024, expediting project implementation.
• Enhanced Monitoring & Support: Dedicated web portals and toll-free helplines have been introduced to facilitate easier status checks and inquiries for farmers.
Eligibility criteria for PM-KUSUM
The scheme is open to a wide range of stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including:
• Individual Farmers: Landowners can install solar systems for irrigation or lease their land to developers for solar power generation.
• Farmer Groups: Collective solar installations allow for shared investment and benefits.
• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Eligible to set up solar power plants on owned or leased land, using energy for farming or selling excess power to the grid.
• Panchayats and Cooperatives: Local governing bodies and agricultural cooperatives can install solar plants on communal or government land, ensuring collective access to clean energy and additional income generation.
Breakdown of PM-KUSUM components
1. Component A: Establishing decentralised ground-mounted renewable power plants with capacities up to 2 MW, aimed at adding 10,000 MW of renewable energy. These plants are installed on barren land within a 5km radius of substations.
2. Component B: Replacing 17.50 lakh diesel-powered agricultural pumps with solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP. Farmers can opt for higher capacity pumps, but financial assistance is limited to 7.5 HP.
3. Component C: Solarising 10 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps, enabling farmers to sell excess electricity to DISCOMs at predetermined tariffs.
Impact of PM-KUSUM on farmers and the environment
The PM-KUSUM scheme has had a transformative impact on both agriculture and the environment. Farmers now experience uninterrupted power supply and reduced operational costs. Many have even leased their barren land for solar power generation, creating an additional revenue stream.
The installation of elevated solar panels allows farming to continue beneath them, ensuring dual land utilisation. Furthermore, locating these solar plants close to substations minimises transmission losses, increasing efficiency.
Most significantly, the shift from diesel to solar-powered pumps has drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India’s broader climate goals. With each new installation, the country moves closer to a future where farming is both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Game-changer for Indian agriculture
The PM-KUSUM scheme shows the success story of India in agricultural sector, offering a sustainable and financially viable solution for farmers. By merging renewable energy with farming, it addresses key issues such as unreliable electricity, financial constraints, and environmental concerns.
As more farmers rely on solar energy, the vision of a greener, energy-secure, and self-reliant India inches closer to reality. The initiative is not just about power generation, it’s about empowering rural communities, ensuring economic stability, and safeguarding the environment for future generations. With ongoing government support and increasing adoption, PM-KUSUM is set to transform Indian agriculture for the better, making it a win-win for all stakeholders involved.
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