Introduction:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India in 2019 to promote solar energy and provide energy security to farmers. The initiative aims to install solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants, thereby reducing farmers’ dependence on diesel and grid electricity while enabling them to generate additional income by selling surplus power to the grid.
Objectives of PM-KUSUM
The primary goals of the PM-KUSUM scheme are:
- To ensure reliable irrigation for farmers through solar-powered pumps.
- To reduce the use of diesel in agriculture.
- To promote decentralized and environmentally friendly power generation.
- To help farmers become energy producers.
- To contribute to India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Components of the PM-KUSUM Scheme
The scheme consists of three components:
Component-A: Solar Power Plants (Off-grid/Grid-connected)
- Installation of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants of capacity up to 2 MW each.
- Farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, and Water User Associations (WUAs) can set up solar or other renewable power plants on barren/fallow land.
- The power generated is sold to the local DISCOM (Distribution Company), generating regular income for farmers.
Component-B: Standalone Solar Agriculture Pumps
- Installation of standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps for irrigation in off-grid areas.
- Target beneficiaries are small and marginal farmers.
- This reduces diesel consumption and cuts irrigation costs.
Component-C: Solarisation of Existing Grid-connected Pumps
- Solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps to ensure day-time reliable power.
- Farmers can use solar power for irrigation and feed surplus electricity into the grid, generating income.
Funding Pattern
The funding structure under PM-KUSUM includes contributions from the central government, state governments, and farmers:
- Central Government Subsidy: 30%
- State Government Subsidy: 50%
- Farmer Contribution: 20% (which can also be arranged through loans or financial assistance)
In some cases, especially for marginalized and small farmers, the state may reduce or waive the farmer’s contribution, or facilitate easy loans through NABARD and other financial institutions.
Role of Central and State Governments
Central Government Role:
- Launched and oversees implementation through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Provides financial assistance and sets policy guidelines.
- Monitors progress, reviews targets, and coordinates with states.
- Encourages participation of private investors and energy service companies.
State Government Role:
- Acts as the implementing agency via State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) like state renewable energy development corporations.
- Identifies beneficiaries, ensures installation through approved vendors, and facilitates subsidy disbursal.
- Works with DISCOMs for grid connection and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Provides state-level support, including additional subsidies, outreach, and training programs for farmers.
Benefits of PM-KUSUM
- Economic Upliftment: Farmers save on electricity bills and earn income by selling surplus power.
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on erratic grid supply and costly diesel.
- Environmental Protection: Promotes clean energy, reducing carbon emissions.
- Rural Development: Creates employment and improves agricultural productivity.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite its potential, PM-KUSUM faces challenges such as:
- High upfront costs for farmers.
- Bureaucratic delays in subsidy disbursal.
- Technical issues with maintenance and after-sales service.
- Limited awareness among rural farmers.
To address these, the government needs to:
- Simplify processes and provide easier access to loans.
- Strengthen monitoring and implementation frameworks.
- Increase awareness and provide training to farmers.
Conclusion
The PM-KUSUM scheme is a visionary step toward sustainable agriculture and clean energy in India. By combining efforts of the central and state governments, it has the potential to revolutionize rural energy access, double farmers’ income, and support India’s climate goals. With better implementation and increased outreach, PM-KUSUM can serve as a model for integrating renewable energy with rural development