Sick and tired of paying more diesel and erratic power to irrigate your land? Think of a time when your farm will not only run itself, but will produce an additional, consistent income. And this is the dream of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM Scheme).
This is a disruptive government program initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2019 that is empowering farmers in India to utilize the energy of the sun. It is meant to offer a stable, affordable irrigation as well as create a new source of revenue.
You are willing to know how to benefit? Let’s delve into the details.
What is the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
The PM-KUSUM Yojana is a flagship program that offers huge financial aid to the farmers to install irrigation pumps that operate on solar energy and to plant it. The core objective is to:
- Promote “de-dieselisation” by replacing expensive and polluting diesel pumps with clean, solar energy.
- Provide a reliable power source for irrigation, freeing farmers from grid dependency.
- Boost farmer income by allowing them to sell surplus solar energy back to the government.
Key Benefits: Why Should You Join the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
This scheme is a game-changer for the agricultural community. Here’s what it offers you:
- Substantial Financial Assistance: The government offers a subsidy of 60 percent of the total amount, and it gives an extra subsidy of 30 percent in the form of a low interest loan. This is because you need to chip in only 10 percent of the start up cost.
- A New Source of Income: Solar pumps usually produce excess power. You are able to sell this excess electricity to your power distribution company (DISCOM) in your state which is a secondary income that is stable and that will be added to your home.
- Profit on Barren Land: In case you have uncultivable or barren land, the land can be leased to install the decentralised solar power plants (under Component A) and receive a consistent rental income over a period of up to 25 years.
- Grow and Produce Power At the same time: The solar plants are planned on stilts, which are raised high in the sky. This gives you the opportunity to go on with farming the land below, so you do not lose any productive area.
- Environmentally Conscious and Trustworthy: Change to clean, renewable energy source that will decrease your footprint and offer a steady power source, day in, day out.
The Three Components of PM-KUSUM
KUSUM Scheme is intelligently separated into three segments to cover various needs:
Component A: Setting Up Decentralised Solar Power Plants
- What it is: Installation of large, grid-connected solar power plants (up to 2 MW) on stilts, often on barren or cultivable land.
- Who can apply: Individual farmers, groups, cooperatives, panchayats, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
- Key Point: The electricity generated is purchased by the local DISCOM.
Component B: Installing Stand-Alone Solar Pumps
- What it is: This is for installing individual, off-grid solar agricultural pumps (up to 7.5 HP capacity) to replace existing diesel or grid-connected pumps.
- Who can apply: Individual farmers.
Component C: Solarising Existing Grid-Connected Agricultural Pumps
- What it is: This component helps farmers with existing grid-connected pumps to solarise them. This reduces the burden on state DISCOMs and provides farmers with daytime power.
- Who can apply: Individual farmers.
Are You Eligible?
The scheme is inclusive and designed for a wide range of beneficiaries. You are eligible to apply if you are:
- An individual farmer.
- Part of a group of farmers.
- A Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO).
- A Panchayat, Cooperative Society, or Water User Association.
How to Apply for the PM-KUSUM Scheme Online
Applying for the scheme is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official PM-KUSUM or your state’s nodal agency portal.
- Register: Click on the registration section and fill in the required details to create your account.
- Log In: After registering, log in to the ‘Solar Agricultural Pumpset Subsidy Scheme’ section.
- Complete the Application: Carefully fill in the online application form with accurate information and upload all the necessary documents.
- Submit: Review your application and submit it.
Important Note: Once your application is accepted, you will need to deposit your 10% share of the cost to the designated supplier. The installation and subsidy sanction process typically takes between 90 to 120 days.
Documents You Will Need
Keep these documents handy for a smooth application process:
- Aadhaar Card
- Land ownership documents (e.g., Khasra Khatauni)
- Bank account passbook
- A signed declaration form
- Mobile number
- Passport-sized photograph
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different kinds of systems supported under the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
The scheme promotes three broad categories namely in the decentralised solar power plants (Component A), in individual solar pumps (Component B) and in solarising the pumps already connected to the grids (Component C).
Who will purchase the electricity generated under Component A?
The electricity is purchased by your local power distribution company (DISCOM) at a pre-defined tariff.
Can farmers lease their land for the development of a renewable energy plant?
Yes! Under the Component A, farmers will be able to lease unused or arable land to solar plants and get rental income during a period of up to 25 years.
Is there a subsidy for installing a solar pump?
Yes, a 60 percent subsidy and a 30 percent loan are offered under Component B where you will only pay 10 percent of the loan.
Where can I get more information about the scheme?
For the most detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the official MNRE website at: https://mnre.gov.in/solar/schemes/ or call the toll-free number: 1800-180-3333.
Take the step towards a brighter, more prosperous, and energy-independent future for your farm. Harness the power of the sun with the PM-KUSUM Scheme today!