PM KUSUM SCHEME: How Farmers are benefitting from Modi Government's Solar Pump Yojana? Explained in Detail

The Modi government has started Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) keeping in mind the areas facing the power crisis. Under Kusum Yojana, there is a plan to run all diesel / electric pumps used for irrigation across the country with solar energy. The Kusum scheme was announced in the Union Government's General Budget 2018-19. The Kusum scheme was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The government has been encouraging farmers towards Solar Energy by initiating different schemes. The registration process for the central government’s ambitious Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) has already started in many states which aim to provide agricultural solar pumps with 90% subsidy.

The official website of PM KUSUM is finally opened and the government has requested the farmers to apply through online mode. PM KUSUM 2020-21 aims to provide around 20 Lakhs solar pumps across the nation to eradicate all the water problems of farmers.

What is the purpose of PM Kusum Yojana?

Farmers in India have to face a lot of problems in irrigation and due to more or less rain, the crops of farmers are damaged. Through the Kusum scheme of the central government, farmers can irrigate their fields by putting solar energy equipment and pumps in their land. With the help of Kusum scheme, farmers can put solar panels on their land and use the electricity generated from it for agriculture. The uninterrupted power supply can be started in the village of the country by the electricity generated on the farmer's land.

What is the government's preparation for the PM Kusum scheme?

Under the Kusum scheme, by 2022, three crore irrigation pumps are being run in the country with solar energy instead of electricity or diesel. According to the budget set by the government, a total of Rs 1.40 lakh crore will be spent on the Kusum scheme. Out of the total expenditure on Kusum Yojana, the central government will contribute 48 thousand crore rupees, while the same amount will be given by the state government. Farmers have to bear only 10% of the total cost of the solar pump under the Kusum scheme.

New Features of PM KUSUM 2020-21

• The government aims to distribute 27.5 Lakh solar water pumps amongst farmers. 

• 17.5 Lac pumps will be installed off-grid to aid irrigation needs of farmers to remote locations. 

• Farmers can sell surplus solar power generated off-grid to DISCOMS to earn Rs. 60,000 annually per acre. 

• 10 Lacs pumps will be installed in locations where the grid is available along with solarisation of existing pumps. 

• Grid-connected solar power plants of up to 2MW capacity each will be installed in rural areas. 

  Subsidy Structure of Solar Scheme

Under the scheme, the farmer will get a subsidy on new and improved solar-powered pumps. The farmers will have to spend only 10% of the total expenditure to acquire and install a solar pump and 60% cost will be handled by govt and the remaining 30% will be taken care of by the bank as credit. 

Central Government - 60% of the total cost as Subsidy

Banks - 30% of the total cost as Loans to Farmers

Farmers- 10% of the Total Cost 

What is the Eligibility for PM Kusum Yojana 2020-21?

Applicants should be a farmer and should have a valid Aadhaar Card in their name. Farmers must also hold a valid bank account.

Important Documents for Solar Pump Yojana 2020 

• Aadhaar Card

• Bank Account

• Land papers