The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme, launched in March 2019, offers farmers Read More... significant subsidies to install solar irrigation pumps, making farming more eco-friendly and profitable. Read less
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Farming in India is getting a solar upgrade with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme. This initiative by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to empower farmers by providing them with solar-powered irrigation solutions.
The PM-KUSUM Scheme was introduced in March 2019 to help farmers install solar irrigation pumps. It aims to reduce reliance on diesel and provide a cleaner, more sustainable way to irrigate crops. Under this scheme, farmers can get a substantial subsidy to install solar pumps, making farming more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
This scheme is designed for a wide range of agricultural stakeholders, including individual farmers, groups of farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Panchayats, cooperatives, and Water User Associations. It essentially supports anyone involved in agricultural activities who can utilize solar energy for irrigation.
The PM-KUSUM Scheme plays a crucial role in modernizing Indian agriculture. It not only helps farmers get access to advanced technology for irrigation but also addresses environmental concerns by promoting renewable energy. By generating surplus electricity, farmers can even earn extra income, contributing to their financial well-being and the nation's green energy goals.
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The following entities are eligible to apply for the PM-KUSUM Scheme:
The application process for the PM-KUSUM Scheme typically involves the following steps, though specific procedures may vary by state and component:
Official Link for Information: You can find more details and potential application links at https://mnre.gov.in/solar/schemes/.
While the exact list may vary, common documents needed are:
What are the different types of systems supported under the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
The PM-KUSUM Scheme supports three main types of installations, which are referred to as its three components:Component A: Setting up decentralized ground or stilt-mounted grid-connected solar or other renewable energy-based power plants with a capacity of up to 2 MW.Component B: Installation of stand-alone solar agriculture pumps with a capacity of up to 7.5 HP.Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps with a capacity of up to 7.5 HP.
How much subsidy can farmers get for installing a solar pump?
For most states, farmers receive a 30% subsidy from both the Central and State governments. This means the farmer invests only 40% of the total cost. However, for North-eastern States, Hill States/UTs, and Island UTs, the Central Government provides a 50% subsidy and the State Government contributes at least 30%, leaving the farmer to invest just 20%.
Can farmers lease their land for a renewable energy power plant under Component-A?
Yes, farmers have the option to either set up a renewable power project on their own land or lease their land to a developer. The terms and conditions for leasing would be mutually agreed upon between the farmer and the developer.
What is Component-C of the PM-KUSUM Scheme about?
Component C allows farmers to add solar power capability to their existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, provided they have a capacity of up to 7.5 HP. The solar PV capacity allowed is up to twice the pump's capacity in kW. Farmers can use the generated solar power for irrigation and sell any surplus to the electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Who is eligible to apply for Component-A of PM-KUSUM?
Under Component A, individual farmers, groups of farmers, cooperatives, Panchayats, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Water User Associations (WUAs) are eligible. The land where the project is planned must be located within 5 km of the nearest electricity sub-station.
What happens to the electricity generated under Component-A?
The electricity produced from the solar or renewable energy power plants under Component-A will be purchased by the local electricity distribution companies (Discoms) at a pre-determined tariff for a period of 25 years. Additionally, Discoms may receive a procurement-based incentive for buying this power.
What is Component-B of the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
Component B focuses on replacing diesel-powered agriculture pumps with stand-alone solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP capacity in off-grid areas. If a farmer needs a pump with a higher capacity, it might be allowed, but the central subsidy will be capped at the amount applicable for a 7.5 HP pump.
Can farmers continue farming activities if they install solar plants on their land under Component-A?
Yes, under Component A, solar plants can be installed on agricultural land, provided they are mounted on a raised structure (stilt) and have adequate spacing between panel rows. This ensures that farming activities can continue underneath the solar panels.
Who is eligible to benefit from Component B of PM-KUSUM?
Component B is open to individual farmers, Water User Associations, and systems based on community or cluster irrigation. They can apply for the installation of stand-alone solar pumps.
Who is eligible under Component C of PM-KUSUM?
Individual farmers, water user associations, and community or cluster-based irrigation systems are also eligible under Component C, which focuses on solarizing existing grid-connected agriculture pumps.
Is there any financial support for solarizing existing pumps under Component-C?
Yes, similar to Component B, a subsidy is available. For most states, both Central and State governments provide 30% subsidy each, meaning the farmer invests 40%. For North-eastern States, Hill States/UTs, and Island UTs, the Central Government offers 50% subsidy and the State Government at least 30%, with the farmer investing the remaining 20%.
Where can I find more information or get help with the scheme?
For more detailed information about the PM-KUSUM Scheme, you can visit the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's website at https://mnre.gov.in/solar/schemes/. You can also call their toll-free number: 1800-180-3333.