To aid farmers, the central government has initiated several schemes aimed at providing financial assistance. These schemes are launched to aid farmers economically. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM KUSUM), where farmers receive subsidies to potentially double their income.
Launched in 2019, the scheme comprises three key components aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption in agriculture. Component A focuses on setting up 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land, enabling farmers and organizations to establish renewable energy-based power plants ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW capacity on unused land or stilts above cultivable areas.
Component B involves the installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar agriculture pumps, aiding individual farmers in replacing existing diesel pumps in off-grid areas with solar-powered ones of up to 7.5 HP capacity.
Component-C supports the solarization of 10 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps, allowing farmers to utilize generated solar power for irrigation while selling excess energy to DISCOMs at fixed rates. Modifications to the scheme's scope were made based on insights gained from its initial year of implementation.
Both the central and state governments offer subsidies to farmers under this scheme. Nevertheless, the subsidy amount might differ based on the state.
Objective of PM Kusum Yojana
Due to the increased expenses incurred by farmers for electricity or fuel, the PM Kusum Yojana was introduced to reduce such costs. Farmers can install solar pumps by availing subsidies through this scheme. This will lead to electricity generation, along with facilitating irrigation.
Government Assistance for Installation
Farmers desiring to benefit from subsidies for installing solar pumps under this scheme must possess 4 to 5 acres of land. With this much land, they can potentially produce 15 lakh units of electricity in just a year. Alongside farming, farmers are also earning substantial income by selling this electricity.
Subsidy Allocation
The central government can provide up to 45 percent of the total expenditure as a subsidy to farmers. The PM Kusum Yojana is being implemented to increase farmers' income.
Documents Required to Apply for PM Kusum Yojana
Aadhar Card
Ration Card
Bank Account Passbook
Mobile Number linked to Aadhar
Property/Land documents
Passport size photograph
Application Process
Farmers can apply for the PM Kusum Yojana on their state's farmer portal. Applications can also be made through the official website of the Ministry of Energy. Additionally, farmers can obtain information by calling the toll-free number 1800-180-3333.
Source: Krishi Jagran