PM-KUSUM scheme – The government is considering extending the deadline for the PM-KUSUM scheme again because many of its components have failed to achieve even half of their target. Launched in 2019, the scheme aims to make farmers energy self-sufficient through solar power, but many of its goals remain unfulfilled.
The PM-KUSUM scheme has three main components: Component A, which involves installing small solar power plants, Component B, which involves installing off-grid solar agricultural pumps, and Component C, which involves connecting grid-connected agricultural pumps to solar energy. As of September 2025, Component B has achieved 71 percent of its target, but Component A has only progressed at 6.5 percent. Some states have yet to complete any installations, leading to uneven progress at the state level.
The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the plan’s progress, leading to an extension to March 2026. The government is now considering another extension to ensure all targets are achieved. This extension also increased the plan’s targets. However, none of the plan’s components have yet achieved 100% of their targets.
Under this scheme, an effort is being made to provide farmers with clean and affordable energy for irrigation using solar power, thereby reducing their dependence on electricity and diesel. This government initiative will both increase farmers’ income and protect the environment. The extension of the deadline will provide additional time to all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the scheme to take necessary steps to achieve the target.
Given the slow progress in solar energy, this step is considered crucial to the success of the plan, providing farmers with better facilities and the opportunity for energy-efficient farming. This government initiative will be a major step towards providing clean energy to farmers and will help the country overcome the energy crisis.