Overview of PM KUSUM Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme seeks to raise farmers’ incomes while reducing the amount of diesel used in agriculture. Up to 30% or 50% of the total cost of constructing standalone solar pumps or solarizing already-existing grid-connected agricultural pumps can be subsidized by the central government under this program. On their fallow or bare land, farmers can also install grid-connected solar power plants up to 2 MW in capacity. The electricity produced can then be sold to nearby DISCOMs at rates set by state regulators.
The yojna has four pillar components named:
1. Solar or Renewable Energy Power Plants (REPP)
2. Standalone Solar Pumps
3. Solarization of Grid-Connected Pumps and
4. Feeder-Level Solarization
S.No Component Objective Mode Technical Detail Benefits Key Parameters 1 Solar or Renewable Energy Power Plants (REPP) Utilize barren/fallow land for solar power generation, enhancing farmer income. CAPEX or Lease Up to 2 MW of capacity; installed within 5 km of substations; power delivered to DISCOM at rates set by the state Profit from rented land up to ₹25,000 per acre annually, and Make up to ₹65,000 per acre annually through self-installation using loans. This falls within priority sector loans, according to the RBI. The government offers DISCOMs an incentive of ₹0.40/kWh or ₹6.6 lakh/MW/year. 2 Standalone Solar Pumps In off-grid locations, swap out diesel pumps and encourage clean irrigation. Direct Purchase Up to 7.5 HP is the maximum capacity (greater permissible with limited CFA). North-East/Hilly regions: 50% CFA and up to 15 HP – Reduces diesel costs
– Reliable irrigation for remote farms
– Priority for small and marginal farmers30% of benchmark/tender costs for the central CFA (or 50% for the northeast and hilly regions). The minimum state subsidy is 30%. 3 Solarization of Grid-Connected Pumps Permit farmers to irrigate using solar energy and profit from the sale of excess electricity. Individual or Shared Capacity of solar PV: up to double that of the pump Modes: Solar + Grid or Solar-only; Capacity: CFA-limited up to 7.5 HP Selling excess power generates extra revenue; it lessens reliance on the grid; and it lowers electricity costs. – 50% CFA for NE/Hilly regions (up to 15 HP pumps) – Net metering for excess power. 4 Feeder-Level Solarization Agricultural feeders can be solarized to supply dependable, clean irrigation power. CAPEX or RESCO Cost of solar plant: ₹3.5 Cr/MW; capacity cap not applicable; CFA: 30% (or 50% for NE, Hilly, and Island zones) Uninterrupted irrigation power supply lowers electricity costs and helps small and marginal farmers. Feeder can accommodate one or more feeders; solar capacity greater than 7.5 HP pumps does not require a CFA.
Benefits of PM KUSUM Yojna for Farmers
By leasing their property for solar power plants or selling excess electricity produced by their grid-connected solarized pumps, farmers can make a sizable profit. Using independent solar pumps lowers irrigation expenses by doing away with the requirement for pricey petrol or electricity farmers can enforce savings along with dependable power source particularly in isolated and off-grid locations with the help of solarized feeders and freestanding pumps. Using solar energy lowers carbon emissions and encourages sustainable agricultural methods. Under the program, small and marginal farmers are given preference for subsidies and incentives.Using solar energy lowers carbon emissions and encourages sustainable agricultural methods.To apply for the yojna individual states have issued guidelines and process flow that can be found on PM KUSUM Official Site
Read More: PM Surya Ghar Yojna 2024: A Complete Guide to Rooftop Solar Panels Benefits and Application Process
