The Central Government’s PM Kusum scheme-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Yojana is a revolutionary step aimed at empowering Indian farmers. By promoting solar energy production and offering innovative ways to integrate solar farming, this scheme has opened up new avenues for sustainable agricultural practices and financial stability among the farming community. With a budget allocation of Rs. 48,000 crores for ten years, this initiative is set to bring significant changes to rural India.

A Shift in Focus: Solarising Agricultural Feeders

In March 2021, the government introduced modifications to the PM Kusum scheme, shifting the focus from replacing individual diesel pumps with solar pumps to solarising entire agricultural feeders. This approach reduces the logistical and financial burden on farmers while ensuring access to reliable and renewable energy sources for agricultural operations. By powering irrigation systems through solar energy, farmers can drastically cut down on electricity costs and contribute to a greener future.

Key Features of the PM Kusum Yojana

The PM Kusum scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and has three major components:

Component-A: Small Solar Power Plants

  • Installation of small solar power plants with capacities of up to 2 MW.
  • These plants will be set up on barren lands, enabling farmers to generate additional income by selling surplus solar power to the grid.

Component-B: Standalone Solar-Powered Agricultural Pumps

  • Distribution of 20 lakh standalone solar-powered pumps to replace diesel pumps.
  • This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

Component-C: Solarisation of Grid-Connected Pumps

  • Solarisation of 15 lakh existing grid-connected pumps, helping farmers save on electricity costs while contributing to renewable energy targets.

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How Farmers Benefit from PM Kusum Scheme

  1. Reduced Costs: Farmers will receive a 60% subsidy on the cost of solar pumps, with 30% covered through bank loans. This means they need to bear only 10% of the cost, making it highly affordable.
  2. Additional Income: Farmers with barren or unused lands can install solar plants and sell excess electricity to the grid. This not only ensures a steady source of income but also makes land that was previously unproductive an asset.
  3. Energy Independence: By adopting solar power, farmers can significantly reduce their dependence on erratic electricity supplies and expensive diesel.
  4. Employment Opportunities: The scheme has substantial potential for job creation. According to estimates, around 24.50 job-years are generated per MW of small-capacity solar installation. This translates to approximately 7.55 lakh employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers.
  5. Environmental Benefits: By replacing diesel pumps with solar-powered systems, the agricultural sector can significantly cut its carbon footprint. Solarisation also promotes water conservation and energy efficiency, furthering sustainable farming practices.

Challenges Farmers May Face

While the PM Kusum scheme offers several benefits, there are certain challenges that need addressing:

  1. Water Table Depletion: Overuse of water due to subsidized energy can lead to a decline in water tables. Solar pumps might not work efficiently if water levels drop drastically, as upgrading to higher-capacity pumps requires costly new solar panels.
  2. Exclusion of Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme’s focus on pumps with capacities of 3 HP or higher may inadvertently exclude small and marginal farmers who constitute about 85% of the farming community. Many of these farmers lack access to large water sources, limiting the utility of solar pumps.
  3. Logistics and Equipment Availability: There are challenges in sourcing solar equipment domestically. Strict Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) can further complicate procurement, delaying the implementation of the scheme.

Addressing the Challenges: The Way Forward

To ensure the successful implementation of the PM Kusum scheme and its benefits for farmers, the following measures are essential:

  1. State-Center Collaboration: Cooperation between the central and state governments is crucial for the decentralized solar power model to succeed. States must actively participate in promoting and supporting the scheme.
  2. Affordable Solar Energy Pricing: Offering attractive benchmark prices for solar energy can encourage greater participation from farmers and stakeholders, ensuring the scheme’s viability.
  3. Support for Small Farmers: The scheme should include provisions to support small and marginal farmers, such as subsidies for lower-capacity pumps and access to shared solar-powered irrigation systems.
  4. Sustainable Farming Practices: Alongside solarisation, farmers should adopt water-saving techniques like drip irrigation, which not only conserves water but also boosts crop yields.

Success Stories and Potential Impact

Farmers across India have already begun reaping the benefits of the PM Kusum scheme. For instance:

  • In Rajasthan, farmers with barren land have installed solar power plants, generating additional income by selling electricity to DISCOMS.
  • In Maharashtra, solarisation of irrigation systems has reduced electricity costs and improved water availability for crops.

By adopting the PM Kusum scheme, farmers can transform their agricultural practices, contribute to India’s renewable energy goals, and secure a more stable and prosperous future.

Building a Greener Tomorrow

India has committed to increasing its share of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources to 40% by 2030 under its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). The PM Kusum scheme is a critical step toward achieving this target. By harnessing solar power for agriculture, farmers not only support the nation’s renewable energy mission but also gain financial independence and contribute to environmental conservation.

FAQs About the PM Kusum Scheme Yojana

1. What is the PM Kusum scheme?

The Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme promotes solar energy production and supports farmers by providing subsidies for solar pumps and enabling solar power generation on barren lands.

2. How does the scheme benefit farmers? Farmers save on electricity costs, gain additional income by selling surplus solar power, and reduce their reliance on diesel. The scheme also creates employment opportunities and supports sustainable farming practices.

3. What are the challenges of the PM Kusum scheme?

Issues such as water table depletion, exclusion of small farmers, and logistical challenges in equipment availability need to be addressed to ensure the scheme’s success.

Conclusion

The PM Kusum scheme is a transformative initiative that empowers farmers to embrace solar energy, reduce costs, and achieve financial independence. By addressing challenges and promoting sustainable farming, this scheme has the potential to revolutionise Indian agriculture, paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future for farmers and the nation.

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