PM-KUSUM Solar Pump Scheme — How to Apply, Subsidy & Eligibility
Complete guide to PM-KUSUM Yojana — get solar pumps with 60% subsidy for farmers. Learn eligibility, 3 components, how to apply, documents & state-wise status.
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PM-KUSUM Solar Pump Scheme — How to Apply, Subsidy & Eligibility
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is a flagship scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) designed to help Indian farmers harness solar energy for irrigation. The scheme aims to add 30.8 GW of solar capacity in the agriculture sector, reduce diesel dependency, and boost farmer income.
PM-KUSUM provides subsidies of up to 60% on solar pumps and solar power plants, making clean energy affordable for even small and marginal farmers. If you are a farmer looking to install a solar-powered irrigation pump or earn extra income from solar energy, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is PM-KUSUM? The 3 Components
PM-KUSUM has three distinct components, each targeting a different aspect of solar energy adoption in agriculture:
Component A — Decentralised Solar Power Plants (Up to 2 MW)
Under Component A, farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, panchayats, and Water User Associations (WUAs) can set up small solar power plants of up to 2 MW capacity on barren or fallow land. The power generated is sold to the local DISCOM (Distribution Company) at a pre-decided tariff.
- Target capacity: 10,000 MW
- Who benefits: Farmers with unused land who want to earn extra income
- Key feature: DISCOM purchases electricity at a fixed rate for 25 years
- Subsidy: No direct subsidy — revenue comes from power purchase agreement (PPA)
Component B — Standalone Solar-Powered Agriculture Pumps
This is the most popular component. Farmers can install standalone (off-grid) solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP capacity to replace diesel pumps or to irrigate fields without grid electricity.
- Target: 20 lakh standalone solar pumps
- Subsidy: 30% from Central Government + 30% from State Government = 60% total subsidy
- Farmer's share: Only 40% of the cost (bank loan available for this portion)
- Pump capacity: 1 HP to 7.5 HP (with extensions up to 10 HP in some states)
Component C — Solarisation of Existing Grid-Connected Pumps
Farmers who already have electric grid-connected pumps can solarise them by installing solar panels. They use solar power for irrigation and sell surplus electricity to the DISCOM, earning additional income.
- Target: 15 lakh grid-connected pumps to be solarised
- Subsidy: 30% Central + 30% State = 60% total
- Farmer's share: 40% of the benchmark cost
- Extra income: Sell surplus power to DISCOM at a pre-determined rate
Who Is Eligible?
General Eligibility
- Individual farmers who own agricultural land
- Farmer groups, cooperatives, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
- Water User Associations and panchayats
- The applicant must own the land where the pump or plant will be installed (for Components A and B)
Component-Wise Eligibility
| Component | Who Can Apply | Land Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| A | Farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, FPOs | Barren/fallow land near DISCOM substation |
| B | Individual farmers | Own agricultural land with water source |
| C | Farmers with existing grid-connected pumps | Existing grid connection for agriculture |
Additional Criteria
- No income limit — small, marginal, and large farmers all qualify
- Priority is given to farmers in areas with no grid connectivity or with unreliable power supply
- Farmers in water-scarce regions and those using diesel pumps get preference
- One solar pump per farmer (for Component B)
Subsidy Breakdown
The financial structure makes solar pumps highly affordable:
Component B (Standalone Solar Pumps)
| Cost Head | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Central Government subsidy | 30% |
| State Government subsidy | 30% |
| Farmer's contribution | 40% (loan available) |
Component C (Grid-Connected Pump Solarisation)
| Cost Head | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Central Government subsidy | 30% |
| State Government subsidy | 30% |
| Farmer's contribution | 40% (loan available) |
Example: If a 5 HP solar pump costs ₹3,00,000, the farmer pays only ₹1,20,000. Banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, and Nabard offer loans covering the farmer's share at subsidised interest rates.
Note: For Component B, some states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh offer additional state-level top-up subsidies, bringing the farmer's effective cost down even further.
Solar Pump Capacity Options
Farmers can choose from multiple capacity options based on their irrigation needs:
| Pump Capacity | Suitable For | Approximate Cost (Before Subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HP | Small kitchen gardens, drip irrigation | ₹70,000–₹90,000 |
| 2 HP | Small plots (up to 1 acre) | ₹1,20,000–₹1,50,000 |
| 3 HP | Medium plots (1–2 acres) | ₹1,80,000–₹2,20,000 |
| 5 HP | Standard farms (2–5 acres) | ₹2,80,000–₹3,20,000 |
| 7.5 HP | Large farms (5+ acres) | ₹3,80,000–₹4,50,000 |
| 10 HP | Very large farms (select states) | ₹5,00,000–₹6,00,000 |
The pump type (submersible or surface) depends on the water source depth and is recommended during the site survey.
How to Apply for PM-KUSUM
Step 1 — Check Your State Portal
PM-KUSUM is implemented through state nodal agencies. Each state has a dedicated portal:
- Rajasthan: rreclmis.energy.rajasthan.gov.in
- Maharashtra: kusum.mahaurja.com
- Madhya Pradesh: cmsolarpump.mp.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh: upneda.org.in
- Haryana: pmkusum.hareda.gov.in
- Gujarat, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka — Check respective state renewable energy development agency websites
You can also visit the national portal at pmkusum.mnre.gov.in for state-wise links.
Step 2 — Register Online
- Visit your state's PM-KUSUM portal
- Click on "New Registration" or "Apply Online"
- Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and basic details
- Select the component (B or C) and desired pump capacity
- Upload required documents (see below)
- Submit the application and note down your application ID
Step 3 — Verification and Approval
- The state nodal agency verifies your land records and documents
- A site survey is conducted to assess water availability and solar feasibility
- Upon approval, you receive a sanction letter with subsidy details
Step 4 — Payment and Installation
- Pay your farmer's share (40%) — directly or through a bank loan
- An MNRE-empanelled vendor installs the solar pump system
- Installation typically takes 2–4 weeks after payment
Step 5 — Commissioning
- After installation, the agency inspects and commissions the system
- Subsidy is released directly from the central and state governments
- You receive a commissioning certificate
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Land ownership documents (Khasra/Khatauni, 7/12 extract, or equivalent)
- Bank account details (passbook copy) linked to Aadhaar
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Existing electricity connection details (for Component C only)
- Declaration form (available on state portal)
- Caste certificate (if applying under SC/ST priority, in some states)
Installation Process and Maintenance
Installation
- Site survey — Vendor assesses water table depth, sun exposure, and pump placement
- Solar panel mounting — Panels installed on a ground-mounted structure near the borewell or water source
- Pump and controller setup — Submersible or surface pump connected with a solar controller/inverter
- Wiring and testing — System wired, tested, and handed over to the farmer
- Commissioning — State agency inspects and issues a certificate
Maintenance
- Solar panels require minimal maintenance — clean panels with water every 2–4 weeks
- The pump motor should be serviced annually
- Most vendors provide a 5-year comprehensive warranty and 25-year panel warranty
- No fuel costs, no electricity bills — zero recurring cost for irrigation
- Spare parts and after-sales service are covered under empanelled vendor agreements
State-Wise Implementation Status
PM-KUSUM adoption varies significantly by state. Here is the current status of key states:
| State | Component B (Pumps Installed) | Component C (Solarised) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | 1,50,000+ | 50,000+ | Leading state |
| Maharashtra | 1,00,000+ | 30,000+ | Active |
| Madhya Pradesh | 80,000+ | 20,000+ | Active |
| Uttar Pradesh | 60,000+ | 15,000+ | Expanding |
| Haryana | 40,000+ | 25,000+ | Active |
| Gujarat | 35,000+ | 20,000+ | Active |
| Chhattisgarh | 30,000+ | 10,000+ | Growing |
| Punjab | 25,000+ | 15,000+ | Active |
| Karnataka | 20,000+ | 10,000+ | Active |
Tip: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have the most streamlined application processes. If you are in these states, apply early as demand often exceeds allocation.
Benefits of PM-KUSUM for Farmers
- Save ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 per year on diesel and electricity costs
- Earn extra income by selling surplus solar power (Component C)
- Reliable irrigation — no more dependence on erratic grid power or expensive diesel
- Environment-friendly — reduces carbon emissions from agriculture
- 25-year asset — solar panels last decades with minimal maintenance
- Increased crop yield — reliable water supply leads to better harvests
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM-KUSUM scheme?
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a government scheme by MNRE that provides subsidised solar pumps and solar power plants to Indian farmers. It has three components — solar power plants on barren land, standalone solar pumps, and solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps.
How much subsidy do farmers get under PM-KUSUM?
Farmers receive a 60% subsidy (30% from Central Government + 30% from State Government) under Components B and C. The farmer pays only 40% of the cost, which can also be financed through a bank loan.
Can I apply for PM-KUSUM online?
Yes. Applications are accepted online through state nodal agency portals. Visit pmkusum.mnre.gov.in for your state's application link. You need Aadhaar, land documents, and a bank account to apply.
What is the maximum solar pump capacity available?
Under Component B, solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP are available in most states. Some states have extended this to 10 HP for farmers with larger land holdings.
Is PM-KUSUM available for tenant farmers?
Component B requires land ownership proof. Tenant farmers generally cannot apply for standalone pumps. However, Component A allows farmer groups and cooperatives where tenants may participate indirectly.
How long does installation take after approval?
After approval and payment of the farmer's share, installation is typically completed within 2 to 4 weeks. The entire process from application to commissioning usually takes 2 to 4 months depending on the state.
Can I get a loan for my share under PM-KUSUM?
Yes. Several banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB, and Nabard-affiliated institutions offer loans to cover the farmer's 40% contribution. You can also use your Kisan Credit Card for financing.
Related Government Schemes for Farmers
If you are a farmer, explore these other beneficial schemes:
- PM Surya Ghar — Free Solar Rooftop Scheme — Get solar panels on your home roof with government subsidy
- PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi — Receive ₹6,000 per year directly in your bank account
- Kisan Credit Card — How to Apply — Get affordable farm credit with subsidised interest rates
- PMFBY Crop Insurance — Protect your crops against natural calamities with government-backed insurance
Final Thoughts
PM-KUSUM is one of the most impactful government schemes for Indian farmers, combining energy independence with income generation. With a 60% subsidy, solar pumps become highly affordable, and the long-term savings on diesel and electricity make this a smart investment. If you have agricultural land and rely on diesel or erratic grid power for irrigation, applying for PM-KUSUM should be a priority.
Visit your state's portal or pmkusum.mnre.gov.in to start your application today.