PM KUSUM Yojana — 90% Solar Pump Subsidy for Farmers

What is PM KUSUM Yojana?

PM KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a central government scheme to provide farmers with reliable, affordable, and renewable energy through solar-powered irrigation pumps and solar power plants on farmland. It aims to help farmers reduce dependence on diesel (costly and unreliable) and grid electricity.

Key benefits:

• Up to 90% subsidy on solar pumps (Centre + state + farmer 10%)
• Free or reduced-cost irrigation for farmers
• Earn extra income by selling surplus solar power to DISCOMs
• Reduce carbon footprint of agriculture

Three Components of PM KUSUM

Most farmers apply under Component B — solar pump subsidy for replacing diesel pumps.

Subsidy Structure (Component B — Solar Pumps)

In effect, the farmer pays only 10% of the cost — a 3 HP solar pump costs approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh, so the farmer pays just ₹15,000–20,000. Some states cover more, reducing farmer share further.

Who is Eligible?

• Farmers who currently use diesel pumps or want to set up new irrigation
• Must have agricultural land with irrigation requirement
• Individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, panchayats, and FPOs
• No income limit — all farmers are eligible

How to Apply — Component B (Solar Pump)

Applications are processed state-wise. The process varies by state:

General Steps:

1. Visit your State Agriculture Department or State Energy Department website
2. Look for "PM KUSUM" or "Solar Pump Subsidy" scheme
3. Register/apply online with farm details, pump requirement (HP), and land area
4. Select from empanelled solar pump vendors (list available on state portal)
5. Pay your 10% share to the vendor after application approval
6. Vendor installs the solar pump
7. State department verifies installation and releases subsidy to vendor

State portals (examples):

• Rajasthan: energy.rajasthan.gov.in
• UP: upcl.org or UP agriculture dept
• MP: mpagric.nic.in
• Haryana: hareda.gov.in
• Maharashtra: MEDA or MSEDCL portal

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card (identity)
2. Land records — khasra/khatauni (record of rights) showing agricultural land ownership
3. Farmer ID / Kisan Credit Card (if available)
4. Bank account (for subsidy credit and potential solar income)
5. Existing pump details (type, HP) — for Component C
6. Photograph of land/existing pump (in some states)

Pump Sizes Available (Component B)

Income Opportunity — Component A and C

Under Components A and C, farmers can earn by selling solar power:

• Install a 0.5–2 MW solar plant on your land (barren/uncultivated land is preferred)
• Sell power to DISCOM at a fixed rate for 25 years
• Income: ₹1.5–2 lakh per acre per year from solar leasing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PM KUSUM available in my state?

PM KUSUM is available across all states, but implementation speed varies. Check your state agriculture/energy department website. States like Rajasthan, MP, UP, Karnataka, and Gujarat have been fastest.

Can I apply if I am a tenant farmer (not landowner)?

Typically, landowners are given priority for solar pumps. Tenant farmers may apply in some states with a no-objection from the landowner. Check your state-specific guidelines.

Is there a waiting period after applying?

Yes — due to high demand, waiting times of 6–12 months are common. Apply early and track your state's allotment list.

What happens if the solar pump breaks down?

Solar pump vendors are required to provide 5-year comprehensive maintenance warranty. Raise service requests through the vendor or your state nodal agency.

Can I get a solar pump for a new borewell?

Yes — new borewells are also eligible under Component B for solar pumping. Ensure the borewell has adequate yield before applying.

Is there a diesel pump exchange/scrap incentive?

Some states offer an additional incentive for scrapping existing diesel pumps and replacing with solar. Check your state portal.

Official Links

• Central scheme: mnre.gov.in and pmkusum.mnre.gov.in
• Apply via your state energy/agriculture department
• Helpline: 1800-180-3333 (MNRE helpline)
• Find your state nodal agency via the MNRE website