Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana, initiated by the Government of India, is designed to boost the adoption of solar energy by farmers, improve their income, and ensure energy security in rural regions. This scheme reflects the government’s broader objective to expand renewable energy capacity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Objectives
Promote Solar Energy: Encourage farmers to adopt solar energy, reducing their dependence on conventional power sources and diesel for irrigation.
Increase Farmers’ Income: Provide additional income opportunities for farmers by enabling them to sell surplus solar power to the grid.
Energy Security: Ensure a reliable and sustainable power source for agricultural activities.
Reduce Carbon Footprint: Decrease greenhouse gas emissions by replacing diesel-powered irrigation pumps with solar-powered ones.
Key Components
Component A: Installation of decentralized ground-mounted grid-connected renewable power plants.
Component B: Installation of standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps to replace diesel-based irrigation systems.
Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to increase efficiency and reduce electricity consumption from the grid.
Financial Support
Subsidy: The government provides a subsidy of up to 60% for the installation of solar pumps and power plants, which significantly reduces the financial burden on farmers.
Bank Loans: Farmers can avail of bank loans to cover 30% of the project cost, further easing the financial requirement.
Benefits
Economic Empowerment: By reducing electricity costs and enabling the sale of surplus power, farmers can increase their income, enhancing their economic stability.
Energy Independence: Adoption of solar energy reduces reliance on conventional power sources and diesel, ensuring a consistent and sustainable energy supply for irrigation and other agricultural needs.
Environmental Protection: Replacing diesel-powered pumps with solar-powered ones helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability.
Rural Development: Access to reliable energy supports rural development by improving agricultural productivity, supporting local economies, and fostering the growth of renewable energy infrastructure in rural areas.
Implementation and Progress
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana, launched by the Government of India, aims to promote the use of solar energy among farmers, enhance their income, and ensure energy security in rural areas. The scheme is part of the government’s broader commitment to increase renewable energy capacity and support sustainable agriculture.
How to Apply :-
Farmers interested in benefiting from the PM-KUSUM Yojana can apply through the following steps
- Visit the Official Portal: Access the PM-KUSUM Yojana portal provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Registration: Register by providing necessary details such as personal information, land details, and intended solar project specifications.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the application form along with required documents.
- Approval and Installation: Upon approval, the installation of solar pumps or power plants will be initiated as per the guidelines.