PM KUSUM Solar Scheme – Solar Energy for Farmers

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) is a Government of India scheme that promotes solar energy use in the agriculture sector. The scheme helps farmers install solar pumps, solarise existing grid-connected pumps, and set up solar power plants on their land. PM KUSUM reduces irrigation costs, provides clean energy, and offers additional income to farmers.

What is PM KUSUM?

PM KUSUM has three components designed to make farmers energy-independent:

Component A — Solar Power Plants (Decentralised)

• Farmers, cooperatives, and panchayats can set up solar power plants of up to 2 MW on barren or fallow land
• Power is sold to the local DISCOM under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
• Farmers earn regular income from selling solar power

Component B — Standalone Solar Pumps

• Individual solar-powered water pumps of up to 7.5 HP capacity
• 60% subsidy — 30% from Central Government + 30% from State Government
• Farmer pays only 40% (bank loan available for 30%, farmer's share 10%)
• Replaces diesel pumps in off-grid and remote areas

Component C — Solarisation of Grid-Connected Pumps

• Existing grid-connected agricultural pumps are solarised with solar panels
• Farmer can use solar power for irrigation and sell surplus power to DISCOM
• 60% subsidy (30% Central + 30% State) on solar panel installation
• Farmer earns additional income from surplus power sale

Who is Eligible?

Component A

• Individual farmers with barren/fallow land
• Farmer groups, cooperatives, panchayats, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
• Water User Associations

Component B (Solar Pumps)

• All farmers with agricultural land
• Priority to small and marginal farmers
• Areas with no grid connectivity or unreliable power supply
• Farmers currently using diesel pumps

Component C (Solarisation)

• Farmers with existing grid-connected electric pumps
• Must have an agricultural electricity connection

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card
• Land ownership proof (khasra/khatauni)
• Bank account details (passbook copy)
• Existing electricity connection details (for Component C)
• Passport-size photographs
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
• Affidavit/declaration for eligible category

How to Apply

Online Application

1. Visit the PM KUSUM portal at pmkusum.mnre.gov.in or your State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) portal
2. Register with your Aadhaar number and mobile number
3. Select the component you want to apply for (A, B, or C)
4. Fill in personal details, land details, and pump/power plant specifications
5. Upload required documents
6. Pay the farmer's contribution (registration amount) if applicable
7. Submit the application
8. State nodal agency verifies and approves the application
9. Empanelled vendor installs the solar pump/panels
10. After inspection, subsidy is released and system is commissioned

Offline Application

1. Contact your District Agriculture Office or State Renewable Energy Agency
2. Collect the PM KUSUM application form
3. Fill in details and attach required documents
4. Submit at the designated office
5. Wait for verification and approval
6. Vendor installation and commissioning follows

Cost and Subsidy Structure

Component B — Solar Pumps

Note: Costs are approximate and vary by state. Bank loan available for up to 30% of cost.

Component C — Solarisation

Key Benefits

• 60% subsidy on solar pumps — farmers pay as little as 10% upfront
• Zero fuel cost — solar pumps have no recurring fuel or electricity expense
• Additional income — sell surplus solar power to the grid (Component C)
• 25-year lifespan — solar panels last 25+ years with minimal maintenance
• Environment-friendly — replaces diesel pumps, reduces carbon emissions
• Reliable irrigation — not dependent on grid power supply or diesel availability
• Bank loan support — up to 30% of cost available as low-interest bank loan

Important Tips

1. Check your state portal — PM KUSUM is implemented by state agencies, and application portals vary by state
2. Apply early — targets are limited per district and allocated on first-come basis
3. Choose the right pump size — match pump capacity to your irrigation needs and borewell depth
4. Maintain the solar panels — regular cleaning of panels ensures maximum power generation
5. Explore Component C if you already have an electric pump — you can earn additional income by selling surplus solar power

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the subsidy for solar pumps under PM KUSUM?

The total subsidy is 60% of the benchmark cost — 30% from the Central Government and 30% from the State Government. The farmer's share is 40%, of which up to 30% can be covered by a bank loan.

What is the maximum pump capacity allowed?

Under Component B, individual solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP capacity are supported. Higher capacities may be available under state-specific schemes.

Can I sell surplus solar power?

Under Component C (solarisation of grid-connected pumps), yes. The surplus power generated by solar panels beyond your irrigation needs is fed to the grid, and you receive payment from the DISCOM at the applicable tariff.

Is PM KUSUM available in all states?

The scheme is available across India, but implementation timelines and targets vary by state. Check with your State Renewable Energy Development Agency for current availability.

What maintenance does a solar pump need?

Solar pumps require minimal maintenance — regular cleaning of solar panels (every 1-2 weeks) and periodic inspection of the pump motor. There are no fuel or recurring power costs.

Can I get a solar pump for my existing borewell?

Yes. Solar submersible pumps can be installed on existing borewells. The pump capacity should match your borewell's yield and depth.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official details, visit pmkusum.mnre.gov.in or your state's renewable energy agency.