Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana (PM Kusum Yojana) is a government scheme launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, to promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. The scheme aims to address challenges faced by farmers, especially in terms of access to electricity for irrigation and reduce their dependency on traditional sources like diesel generators.
Key Objectives:
- Solarization of Agriculture Pumps: The scheme primarily focuses on the solarization of agricultural pumps. It aims to provide solar-powered irrigation solutions to farmers, thereby reducing their dependence on grid electricity or diesel pumps.
- Promotion of Renewable Energy: Encouraging the use of renewable energy for agricultural purposes, which in turn helps in reducing the carbon footprint and improving sustainability.
- Reduction in Diesel Consumption: By replacing diesel-powered pumps with solar pumps, the scheme aims to reduce the consumption of diesel, resulting in cost savings for farmers.
- Boost to Rural Economy: The project also aims to empower rural areas, increase agricultural productivity, and reduce the financial burden on farmers related to energy consumption.
- Increase in Farmer’s Income: By providing solar energy to irrigation systems, the scheme allows farmers to use water more efficiently and potentially increase their crop yields, thereby improving their income.
Key Components of PM Kusum Yojana:
The PM Kusum Yojana is divided into three major components:
Component-A: Solarization of Agricultural Pumps
- This component is focused on replacing diesel or electric pumps with solar-powered pumps.
- Farmers are provided with subsidies to install solar pumps, making it easier for them to access irrigation solutions.
Component-B: Decentralized Solar Power Generation
- This component encourages farmers to set up small solar plants (up to 2 MW) on their land. These plants can help meet their own energy requirements, and any surplus energy can be sold to the grid, creating an additional source of income for farmers.
Component-C: Solarization of Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps
- This component supports the grid-connected solar pump scheme where the solar energy is used to run pumps and the surplus electricity can be fed back to the grid.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Farmers, cooperatives, and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) are eligible for this scheme.
- For solar pump installation under Component-A, the farmer must own agricultural land.
- The solar plants under Component-B must be installed on agricultural land.
Financial Assistance/Subsidy:
- Component-A:
- Subsidy support of up to 60% for farmers in general and 85% for farmers in special categories (like SC/ST, small and marginal farmers, etc.).
- The central government provides financial assistance, while state governments also provide subsidies.
- Component-B:
- Financial assistance varies depending on the capacity of the plant and the location. Farmers may also benefit from additional incentives like net metering for excess electricity sold to the grid.
- Component-C:
- Similar subsidies are provided to solarize the grid-connected agriculture pumps.
How to Apply:
- Online Registration: Eligible farmers can apply for the scheme online via the official MNRE portal or through the respective state government’s renewable energy department.
- Documentation: The application requires documents like land ownership proof, identity proof, and details of the existing irrigation system (if applicable).
- Verification and Approval: After submission, the application is reviewed, and if the farmer meets the eligibility criteria, the subsidy is approved.
Benefits:
- Reduction in Electricity Bills: Farmers can significantly reduce or eliminate their electricity bills by switching to solar-powered pumps.
- Sustainability: By adopting solar energy, the agricultural sector becomes more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels.
- Environmental Impact: The scheme helps reduce carbon emissions and promotes the use of clean, renewable energy.
- Boosts Rural Economy: With the generation of surplus energy that can be sold back to the grid, farmers gain an additional source of income.
- Better Irrigation and Increased Productivity: Solar-powered pumps ensure consistent irrigation, which can enhance crop productivity.
Challenges and Concerns:
- Initial Investment: Even with subsidies, the upfront cost of installing solar pumps or systems may still be high for some farmers.
- Awareness and Capacity Building: Many farmers may not be aware of the scheme or may face challenges in understanding the technology.
- Maintenance: Solar pumps require periodic maintenance, which could be a challenge in rural areas where service infrastructure may be limited.
Conclusion:
The PM Kusum Yojana is a significant step towards improving the sustainability and energy security of the agriculture sector in India. By providing financial support and encouraging the use of renewable energy, the scheme aims to alleviate the power issues faced by farmers while also contributing to environmental conservation.