Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, simply called as PM KUSUM Scheme, which was launched in 2019. In the name of the PM KUSUM Scheme, the government aims to provide security for the farmers installing agricultural solar pumps in their farm lands. As solar pumps are renewable, the farmers do not need to rely on public power supply; simultaneously the mission to increase the share of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources to 40% by 2030 can be achieved. 

As we know, the Government of India aimed to install rooftop solar plants in 1 crore households in the name of PM Surya Ghar Yojana Muft Bijili Yojana. As an extension of this program government is going to focus on installing agricultural solar pumps, promote free electricity and help farmers.

Components of PM KUSUM Scheme:

PM KUSUM Scheme to provide subsidy on Solar Pumps is started with 3 components, which are named as

- Component A 

- Component B

- Component C

Component A:

- The main aim is to establish 10,000 MW of grid-connected decentralised renewable energy power plants on unused land. 

- Individual farmers or groups of farmers or cooperatives or panchayats or Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) or Water User associations (WUA) can set up 500 kiloWatt to 2 MegaWatt renewable energy based power plants (REPP) on barren or allowable land.

- On cultivable soil, solar power plants can also be set up on stilts so that crops can be grown beneath the solar panels. The plan is to put the renewable energy power project within a 5 kms radius of the sub-stations so the local DISCOM will buy the generated power at a predetermined pricing. 

Component B:

- To install 17.50 lakh independent solar agricultural pumps. 

- In off-grid locations without grid supplies, individual farmers would receive assistance under this component to install standalone solar agriculture pumps with a maximum capacity of 7.5 HP to replace their current diesel irrigation systems and agriculture pumps. 

- Agricultural Solar Pumps with a capacity more than 7.5 HP may also be installed, but only up to 7.5 HP will receive financial help from the Government.

Component C:

- In order to solarize 10 Lakh grid-connected agricultural solar pumps. Individual farmers with grid-connected agricultural pumps will receive assistance under this component to solarize their agricultural pumps. 

- The excess solar power generated from the solar plant will be sold to DISCOMs at a predetermined tariff, and the farmer will be allowed to use the generated solar power to meet their irrigation demands.

PM KUSUM Scheme Subsidy Structure:

As this is a Government of India project, every agriculture solar pump installation will receive a subsidy under Central Financial Assistance (CFA). In Addition to CFA, farmers will receive State Government support or subsidy also under State Government Support (SGS).

- Central Government Assistance (CFA) provides a subsidy of 30% on the tender cost. Additionally, State Government Support (SGS) also provides a subsidy of 30% on the tender cost. Out of 100% tender cost, only 40% of the whole agriculture solar pump installation cost would be paid by Farmer.

- North Eastern States and Union Territories have different subsidy structures. States like Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar receive subsidy of 50% on solar pump installation from CFA and subsidy of 30% from SGS. Only the remaining 20% would be paid by Farmer.

Moreover, there is more scope for the PM KUSUM Scheme and may these figures will vary according to the response from the Farmers.

Benefits Of The Solar Pump Installation For Irrigation Purposes:

The benefits of the solar pump installation for irrigation purposes are

- You can stop depending on Diesel and other polluting Fuels to run your agricultural pumps.

- Installation of Solar Pumps saves money in the long-term.

- Solar Pumps are environmentally friendly.

- Solar pumps require low maintenance.

- You can receive 60% to 80% of the whole amount for installing solar pumps as a Government subsidy.

- You can sell and earn money through your non-used power.

- You can even cultivate your crops under the Solar Panel Stilts so no space goes wasted.

Documents Required to Register for PM KUSUM Scheme:

To apply for the PM KUSUM Scheme, you need to carry different types of documents for different types of components (as there are 3 types of components in this scheme), here are a few basic documents that you need to carry to proceed further.

- Aadhar card

- Land Documents including Khasra khatauni

- Bank account passbook

- Passport size photo

- Mobile Number

Above documents may vary according to the location, type of land, type of component, etc. For more detailed info, refer to this document, click here! 

Step by Step Process to Apply for PM KUSUM Scheme:

- Go to the PM KUSUM Website - Click Here. 

- Registration form consists fields like 

- Application fee payment

- Type of Solar Pump Capacity required

- Ownership of agriculture/barren land

- ID Proof, etc.

- Once registration is completed, then your application is reviewed by a concerned DISCOM (Distribution Company) for Technical Feasibility Approval (TFA). Once it is approved, the application is moved to further process

- Once TFR approved, you can sign an agreement with your selected Vendor and proceed further for the installation of rooftop solar plant. 

- After installation, you can apply for a net-metering where DISCOM officials visit your installed plant and approve a net-metering for your plant.

- Then after successful installation of net-metering, you can generate a commissioning certificate from the portal, which is further helpful to claim subsidy from the Central Government.

For more information you can get help from GreenCarbonHub’s Solar Experts. Get free consultation today!

Current Rooftop Solar Schemes:

As mentioned, the Government of India has already launched PM Surya Ghar Yojana Muft Bijili Yojana that is aimed to install rooftop solar plants in 1 crore households. Find the details here! 

Final Words:

As the Government of India is stepping forward to make India a fossil-free country, introducing schemes like PM KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar will help the Farmers and households to achieve the nation’s goals. 

Benefit from various Government Schemes by switching to Solar Power at subsidised prices.