The PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme is a transformative initiative by the Indian government aimed at supporting farmers by helping them install solar-powered irrigation pumps. This subsidy program covers up to 90% of the total cost, making solar pumps accessible to over 3.5 million farmers. It is a key step towards sustainable and cost-effective agriculture, aiming to reduce dependency on conventional energy sources and cut down on electricity and fuel expenses for farmers.
If you are a farmer interested in installing a solar pump on your land, this guide will provide comprehensive information about the scheme, including its benefits, objectives, eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process.
What is the PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme?
The PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme, launched by the central government, is specifically designed to enable farmers to replace traditional irrigation pumps powered by electricity or fuel with solar-powered alternatives. This shift to solar energy is a more sustainable solution, reducing both environmental impact and energy costs for farmers.
Under this scheme, the government offers a 90% subsidy on the installation cost, while farmers are responsible for only 10%. This subsidy applies to solar pumps ranging from 2 horsepower (HP) to 5 HP, making it highly accessible for farmers with varying irrigation needs. The government aims to benefit over 3.5 million farmers across India by the scheme’s full implementation.
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In the scheme’s first phase, 1.75 million traditional fuel-powered pumps will be upgraded to solar-powered systems. This not only alleviates the burden of fuel costs but also ensures a steady, reliable power source for farmers. Farmers using these solar pumps will enjoy reduced expenses related to fuel and electricity and can produce electricity at no additional cost.
Objectives of the PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme
The PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme is an ambitious program with several crucial objectives:
Support Sustainable Irrigation: The scheme seeks to provide farmers with a reliable and sustainable irrigation method, essential for effective and efficient farming, especially in drought-prone areas.
Reduce Dependency on Fuel: By promoting solar-powered systems, the scheme aims to curb the reliance on costly and pollutive fuels such as diesel and petrol. Rising fuel prices have become a burden for farmers who rely on fuel-powered pumps, making this switch to solar energy a significant financial relief.
Increase Farmers’ Income: The scheme enables farmers to save on fuel and electricity costs, allowing them to use the savings towards improving their farming operations. This indirectly contributes to increasing their income.
Key Components of the PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme
The scheme has four primary components:
Distribution of Solar Pumps: In the initial phase, the government and electricity department will distribute solar pumps to eligible farmers. This ensures that the scheme’s benefits are delivered to targeted recipients across India.
Construction of Solar Power Plants: To generate sufficient electricity, the government plans to establish solar power plants, which will aid in the stable production of solar energy.
Tubewell Connections: Farmers will be provided with tubewell connections to produce electricity on a larger scale, ensuring that they have adequate power for their irrigation needs.
Modernization of Existing Pumps: Existing fuel-powered pumps will be replaced or upgraded to solar-powered versions, reducing fuel consumption and lowering the financial burden on farmers.
Benefits of the PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme
The PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme offers various benefits to Indian farmers:
Affordable Access to Solar Pumps: Farmers interested in solar pumps can install them at a subsidized rate, thanks to the 90% government subsidy. This means they only need to bear 10% of the pump’s cost.
Nationwide Benefit: The scheme is designed to benefit farmers across India, irrespective of their location.
Environmental Impact: By replacing 1.75 million diesel-powered irrigation pumps with solar-powered alternatives, the scheme significantly reduces fuel consumption, promotes sustainable energy use, and contributes to environmental preservation.
Reduced Fuel Dependency: Farmers will no longer need to worry about the rising costs of diesel or petrol, which often fluctuate and can strain their finances.
Increased Electricity Production: The scheme will support the generation of megawatts of electricity, ensuring a steady supply for agricultural needs.
Smooth Irrigation Process: Farmers can enjoy uninterrupted irrigation, which is crucial for healthy crop growth and, consequently, a better yield.
Application Fee for PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme
Farmers applying for the PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme need to pay a nominal application fee based on the megawatt capacity they intend to install. This fee is payable to the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd. and must be submitted via demand draft. Here is a breakdown of the fee structure:
Megawatt Capacity
Application Fee (INR)
0.5 MW
₹2,500 + GST
1 MW
₹5,000 + GST
1.5 MW
₹7,500 + GST
2 MW
₹10,000 + GST
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme
The PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme is open to a wide range of eligible beneficiaries, including:
Individual Farmers
Farmer Groups
Cooperative Societies
Water User Associations
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
This broad eligibility ensures that all farmers, whether operating individually or as part of an organization, can benefit from the scheme.
Required Documents for PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme Application
Farmers interested in applying for the scheme need to provide the following documents:
Aadhar Card
Proof of Residence
Bank Passbook
Land Ownership Documents
Mobile Number
Ration Card
Copy of Registration (if applicable)
Authorization Letter (if applicable)
How to Apply for PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme 2024
Farmers who wish to apply for the PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme can follow this step-by-step guide:
Select Your State: On the homepage, farmers need to select their respective state to proceed with the application.
Click on “Online Registration”: After selecting the state, click on the “Online Registration” option.
Fill Out the Application Form: Enter required details like name, address, Aadhar number, and mobile number in the application form.
Upload Necessary Documents: Scan and upload the required documents as specified in the application.
Submit the Form: After filling out the form and uploading documents, click on the “Submit” button to complete the registration process.
Save the Acknowledgement Receipt: After successful submission, save or print the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Once submitted, the application will be reviewed, and a physical verification of the land will be conducted. If deemed eligible, a solar pump will be installed in the applicant’s field.
Conclusion
The PM Kusum Solar Subsidy Scheme represents a significant advancement for Indian agriculture, encouraging sustainable farming practices and reducing the financial burden on farmers. By shifting from conventional to solar-powered pumps, the scheme helps farmers save on energy costs, improve crop irrigation, and increase income. Farmers interested in leveraging this scheme should apply promptly and ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. Through the adoption of renewable energy, Indian agriculture can achieve greater efficiency and sustainability for the future.
