PM-KUSUM is a scheme of the central government, which aims to provide electricity to farmers from solar energy. Not only this, but the aim of this scheme is also to increase the income of farmers. This scheme is a powerful step in providing energy security to farmers, protecting the environment, and strengthening the rural economy. So, if you are also a farmer and want to give a new direction to your farming, then PM Kusum Yojana can prove to be a golden opportunity for you.

Three powerful components for farmers

PM Kusum Yojana is divided into three main parts, which benefit farmers in different ways:

First component: Installation of 10,000 MW decentralized ground/stilt mounted grid connected solar or other renewable energy based power plants by farmers on their land. This will not only enable farmers to meet their electricity needs, but will also enable them to earn by selling excess electricity.

Second component: Installation of 14 lakh stand-alone solar agricultural pumps. This is a boon for farmers who do not have grid connectivity or who are troubled by the high cost of diesel pumps.

Third component: Solarization of 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps, including solarization at the feeder level. This will reduce the burden on the existing power infrastructure and provide reliable power to farmers.

Who can avail of the benefits of PM Kusum Yojana

The following people can avail the benefits of PM Kusum Yojana:

Farmers
Cooperative Societies
Panchayats
Farmers’ Group
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Water Consumer Associations
If you fall into any of these categories, you can make your farming even more profitable by adopting solar energy.

Income up to 25 years

Through this scheme, electricity or diesel-powered irrigation pumps will be converted into solar-powered pumps. The electricity generated from the solar panel will be used for irrigation work first. Apart from this, you can earn additional income for 25 years by selling the excess electricity to the electricity distribution company (DISCOM)! This will not only reduce your irrigation cost but will also become a stable source of income.

Another big advantage of this is that solar energy will provide relief from diesel and electricity expenses and will also reduce pollution. Solar panels will last for 25 years and their maintenance is also easy. With this, the land owner or farmer can earn Rs 60 thousand to Rs 1 lakh per acre every year for the next 25 years! This is an attractive opportunity.

Invest only 10%, get a 60% subsidy

Under this scheme, farmers have to pay only 10 percent of the amount to get solar panels installed on their land! The central and state governments together give a 60 percent subsidy amount to the farmers in their bank accounts. There is a provision for equal contribution from the Center and the states. At the same time, the facility of 30 percent loan from the bank is also available. Farmers can easily repay this loan from their additional income. This scheme is very helpful in reducing the financial burden on farmers.

How to apply

To get a solar pump installed under Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana, you can apply on the official website mnre.gov.in. The easy way to apply is given here:

  • First of all, go to the official website https://mnre.gov.in.
  • Read the guidelines related to the scheme carefully on the home page.
  • After this, you have to register.
  • You can easily register by reading the guidelines.
  • To get more information related to the scheme, contact your nodal officer.