About the Scheme
PM-KUSUM promotes solar energy in agriculture by helping farmers install solar pumps and sell surplus solar power to discoms. Launched March 2019; extended to March 2026. Three components: A (solar power plants on barren land), B (standalone solar pumps), C (solarization of grid-connected pumps). Budget: ₹34,422 crore. Target: 30.8 GW solar capacity from agriculture.
Target Beneficiaries: 35+ lakh farmers; particularly rain-fed/diesel pump users; barren land owners selling solar power
Key Features
- Component A: 10,000 MW decentralized renewable power plants (≤2 MW) on barren land near sub-stations
- Component B: 20 lakh standalone solar pumps (capacity 7.5 HP); 60% subsidy (30% Centre + 30% State)
- Component C: 15 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps solarized; farmers sell surplus to discoms
- Budget: ₹34,422 crore; farmer's own contribution only 10% (60% subsidy + 30% bank loan)
- Target: 30.8 GW total solar; 35+ lakh farmers to benefit
- Extended to March 2026; over 3.5 lakh solar pumps installed under Component B (2025)
- PM-KUSUM revised norms (2024): increased pump capacity limit to 7.5 HP