The PM Kusum Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India to promote the use of solar energy in agriculture. This initiative aims to provide farmers with financial and technical support for installing solar pumps and solar power plants, helping them reduce dependence on conventional electricity and diesel. Under this scheme, eligible farmers can receive up to 90% subsidy on solar pumps.
Objectives of PM Kusum Yojana
- Encouraging Solar Energy Use in Agriculture:
- Reduce reliance on grid electricity and diesel pumps for irrigation.
- Providing Financial Assistance:
- Enable farmers to transition to renewable energy through significant subsidies.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint:
- Promote environmentally sustainable farming practices.
- Enhancing Farmers’ Income:
- Farmers can sell surplus solar power generated to the grid, increasing their income.
Key Components of PM Kusum Yojana
The scheme has three major components:
Component A:
- Setting up 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected solar power plants on barren land.
- Farmers, cooperatives, and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) can set up solar plants ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW.
- Surplus power generated can be sold to DISCOMs (distribution companies).
Component B:
- Installation of 20 lakh standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps.
- Targets areas where electricity is not accessible, reducing dependence on diesel-powered pumps.
Component C:
- Solarization of 15 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
- Farmers can use solar power for irrigation and sell surplus electricity to the grid.
Subsidy Under PM Kusum Yojana
- 90% Subsidy Model:
- Farmers are entitled to a 90% subsidy on the cost of solar pumps.
- Breakdown of Costs:
- Central Government: 30% subsidy.
- State Government: 30% subsidy.
- Farmer Contribution: 10% (remaining 30% can be financed through loans).
- Eligibility for Subsidy:
- Farmers owning agricultural land.
- Priority for small and marginal farmers.
Eligibility for PM Kusum Yojana
- Land Ownership:
- Must own agricultural land or barren land.
- Access to Electricity:
- Suitable for areas with no grid electricity or erratic supply.
- Land Use for Solar Plants:
- Barren landowners can lease their land for setting up solar plants.
- Registration Requirements:
- Farmers must have valid ID proof, land documents, and bank account details.
Documents Required for Application
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Land Ownership (e.g., land records or 7/12 Utara document)
- Bank Account Details (for subsidy transfer)
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Electricity Connection Details (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if required)
How to Apply for PM Kusum Yojana
Farmers can apply for the PM Kusum Yojana through the following steps:
Offline Application Process
- Visit the Designated Office:
- Contact your nearest agriculture office, renewable energy department, or distribution company (DISCOM).
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Collect the Kusum Yojana application form.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Provide details like personal information, land records, and pump requirements.
- Submit the Documents:
- Attach self-attested copies of required documents.
- Receive Confirmation:
- A receipt or acknowledgment will be provided for application tracking.
Online Application Process
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to your state’s renewable energy development agency portal (e.g., MNRE or state-specific websites like HAREDA, MAHADISCOM).
- Find the PM Kusum Yojana Section:
- Navigate to the Kusum Yojana section and click on “Apply Now.”
- Register Yourself:
- Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID to create an account.
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in details like land ownership, solar pump requirements, and bank account information.
- Upload Documents:
- Scan and upload the necessary documents.
- Submit Application:
- Submit the form and note down the application reference number.
- Application Approval:
- Once verified, farmers will be notified about the approval and further steps.
Benefits of PM Kusum Yojana
- Reduced Irrigation Costs:
- Solar pumps eliminate recurring expenses on diesel and electricity bills.
- Income from Solar Power:
- Farmers can sell surplus electricity generated by solar systems to the grid.
- Eco-Friendly Farming:
- Promotes renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and pollution.
- Increased Agricultural Productivity:
- Reliable irrigation ensures better crop yields.
- Employment Opportunities:
- Installation and maintenance of solar plants create rural job opportunities.
- Support for Marginal Farmers:
- Priority for small and marginal farmers ensures inclusivity.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenges:
- High Upfront Cost:
- Farmers may struggle with their share of the cost despite subsidies.
- Limited Awareness:
- Many farmers, especially in remote areas, are unaware of the scheme.
- Technical Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance of solar pumps requires trained personnel.
Solutions:
- Easy Financing:
- Government-backed loans and microfinance options can support farmers.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Conducting local awareness drives to educate farmers about the benefits.
- Technical Training:
- Establishing training programs for solar system maintenance in rural areas.
Helpline and Support
- National Helpline: Farmers can contact the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) helpline at 1800-180-3333 for assistance.
- State-Specific Support: Each state has its own helpline for PM Kusum Yojana queries (check state portals for details).
Conclusion
The PM Kusum Yojana is a transformative initiative to empower Indian farmers by promoting sustainable and cost-effective solar energy solutions. By providing a 90% subsidy on solar pumps, the scheme reduces dependency on conventional power sources and boosts agricultural productivity. Farmers are encouraged to apply online or offline to take advantage of this revolutionary scheme, ensuring financial and environmental benefits for years to come.
