PM-KUSUM: Solarizing Indian Agriculture

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to provide daytime power security to farmers, de-dieselise the irrigation sector, and enable farmers to generate solar income from uncultivated fallow land.

Key Components of PM-KUSUM: 1. Component A (Grid-Connected Solar Power Plants): Farmers, cooperatives, and FPOs can set up 500 kW to 2 MW ground-mounted or stilt-mounted solar power plants on barren land and sell electricity to local DISCOMs at pre-fixed tariffs. 2. Component B (Standalone Solar Water Pumps): Individual farmers are supported to install standalone off-grid solar water pumps (3 HP, 5 HP, 7.5 HP, and 10 HP AC/DC surface or submersible pumps) in un-electrified rural pockets. 3. Component C (Solarization of Grid-Connected Pumps): Farmers with existing electric pump connections receive financial assistance to solarize their pumps. Surplus solar power generated is purchased back by the DISCOM under net metering.

Subsidy Structure: - Central Financial Assistance (CFA): 30% of the benchmark equipment cost is paid directly by the Central Government. - State Government Subsidy: State Governments provide an additional 30% (increasing up to 50% in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat). - Bank Loan Assistance: Commercial and rural regional banks finance up to 30% of project cost under concessional agriculture priority lending. - Farmer Contribution: Out-of-pocket investment is only 10% to 15% of benchmark cost. For SC/ST and hilly northeastern farmers, total subsidy reaches 90%.

Eligibility & Required Documents: - Farmer must possess cultivable agricultural land with verified title records (7/12, Khasra-Khatauni). - The farm plot must not already possess an energized agricultural grid connection for Component B. - Documents Required: Aadhaar Card, Land Revenue Records (Khasra/Khatauni or 7/12 extract), Bank Passbook, Passport Photo, Electricity NOC.

How to Apply: Apply exclusively through official State Implementing Agencies (e.g., MEDA in Maharashtra, RREC in Rajasthan, GUVNL in Gujarat, UPNEDA in UP) or via the national MNRE portal at pmkusum.mnre.gov.in. Beware of fake phishing websites demanding advance fees.