If you are a farmer and are dependent on expensive diesel for irrigation of your fields, then there is some good news for you. Now the state government is going to provide solar water pumps to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Maha Abhiyan (PM-KUSUM). The objective of this scheme is to make farmers self-reliant, reduce diesel consumption, and save the environment.
Small and marginal farmers will have to pay only 10% of the total cost of the pump, while big farmers will have to pay 20%. The remaining 90% and 80% expenses will be borne by the government. Let us know about this scheme in detail.
Why is this scheme beneficial for farmers
There are more than 238 lakh farmers in the state, out of which 93% are small and marginal farmers. Farmers will get many big benefits from this scheme. Irrigation with solar pumps will eliminate the cost of electricity and diesel, which will increase the income of farmers.
If farmers generate more electricity than required, they can also earn extra income by selling it to the grid. The use of solar energy will reduce pollution, which will also benefit the environment. The government aims to install 45,000 solar pumps this year. Till now, a 60% subsidy was given, which is now proposed to be increased to 90% for small farmers and 80% for big farmers.
Documents and conditions required for the application
To avail this scheme, you must have some important documents like an Aadhar card, land documents (Khasra, Khatauni), and bank account information. There are also some conditions associated with this scheme, like the farmer should have their own boring, and if the boring is found unsuitable at the time of verification, the token amount deposited will be confiscated.
Only the company selected by the government will install the motor, solar panel, etc. The cost of a 2-horsepower solar pump is around ₹ 1.80 lakh, and the cost of a 5-horsepower pump is around ₹ 4.80 lakh.
Process of applying
The process of applying for this scheme is very easy. Visit the agriculture department portal and click on ‘Book and Generate Token for Solar Pump/Agricultural Equipment’. Click on the link for solar pump booking for the financial year 2025-26 and start the registration process by entering your mobile number.
Upload the required documents and submit the application form. After the last date fixed by the department, the solar pump will be allotted on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis or through a lottery system.
