What is Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana, launched in March 2019, stands as a transformative initiative by the Government of India to promote renewable energy adoption in the agricultural sector. The scheme seeks to enhance farmers’ income, ensure energy security, and contribute to environmental sustainability by facilitating the installation of solar-powered irrigation systems and decentralized solar power plants.

Objectives of PM-KUSUM

The primary goals of the PM-KUSUM scheme include the following

• Reducing dependence on diesel and conventional electricity for irrigation.
• Providing farmers with a reliable daytime power supply.
• Enabling farmers to generate additional income by selling surplus solar power to the grid.
• Decreasing environmental pollution through the adoption of clean energy sources.

Components of the Scheme

PM-KUSUM is structured into three main components:

1. Component A: Installation of decentralized, grid-connected renewable energy power plants (up to 2 MW capacity) on barren or fallow lands.
2. Component B: Deployment of standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps to replace existing diesel pumps.
3. Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps to enable farmers to use solar energy for irrigation and sell excess power to distribution companies (DISCOMs).(india.gov.in)

Impact on India’s Renewable Energy Landscape

Since its inception, PM-KUSUM has significantly influenced India’s renewable energy sector:

• Enhanced Renewable Capacity: The scheme aims to add 30.8 GW of solar capacity, contributing to India’s broader renewable energy targets.
• Economic Benefits for Farmers: By reducing fuel costs and enabling the sale of surplus electricity, farmers experience increased income and financial stability.
• Environmental Advantages: The transition to solar-powered irrigation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable farming practices.

State-Level Achievements

Several states have made notable progress under the PM-KUSUM scheme:(pib.gov.in)

• Rajasthan: Achieved over 1,000 MW of solar power capacity, benefiting approximately 1.7 lakh farmers with reliable daytime electricity. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
• Uttar Pradesh: Implemented effective policies and digital platforms to promote solar energy adoption among farmers, attracting significant investments in the renewable sector.