The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing energy and water security to farmers, enhancing their income, and reducing the reliance on diesel for irrigation. The scheme aims to add 34,800 MW of solar capacity by March 2026. The total central financial support for the scheme is Rs 34,422 crore. Additionally, farmers can install grid-connected solar power plants and sell excess electricity to DISCOMs at a pre-determined tariff.
The Scheme is aimed at ensuring energy security for farmers in India, along with honouring India’s commitment to increase the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 as part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. Under this scheme, the government of India will provide 60% subsidy on the total cost of solar irrigation installed pumps to the farmer. In Odisha, this scheme aiming to solarise 10,000 grid-connected agricultural pumps in the first phase, With up to 70% subsidy support.
Presentation – Dibyabharati Nayak