The Indian government has launched Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) to provide energy security to farmers in the country and to achieve the objective of 40% of India’s electric power capacity from non-fossil fuels by the end of the decade. The scheme, which was launched in 2019, aims to increase the solar capacity to 30,800 MW by 2022 with a financial outlay of Rs. 34,422 crore. The scheme has been extended until 2026 due to the hindrances caused by the pandemic.
Components of the Scheme
PM-KUSUM consists of three components:
- Component A: Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants with a maximum plant size of 2 MW.
- Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps with a maximum pump capacity of 7.5 HP.
- Component C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps with a maximum pump capacity of 7.5 HP.
Amendments to the Scheme
The scheme has been extended beyond 2022 until March 2026 with the following amendments:
- Inter-se transfer of quantities between Component B and C is allowed.
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will be available for pump capacity up to 15 HP for individual farmers in certain states and UTs.
- The domestic content requirement for solar cells has been waived off for the feeder level solarization under Component C.
- A budgetary allocation of Rs. 10,000 Crore has been approved by the CCEA.
Implementation of the Scheme
The Scheme will be implemented by State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) of MNRE in coordination with states, DISCOMs, and farmers.
- Component A: Renewable power projects of capacity 500 kW to 2 MW will be set up by farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, or FPOs. DISCOMs will purchase the renewable power generated at a feed-in-tariff determined by SERC.
- Component B: Individual farmers will be supported to install standalone solar Agriculture pumps with a maximum capacity of 7.5 HP. CFA of 30% of the cost of the pump will be provided, with the state government providing a subsidy of 30% and the remaining 40% being provided by the farmer. Bank finance may be made available for the farmer’s contribution.
- Component C: Individual farmers with grid-connected agriculture pumps will be supported to solarise their pumps, with a solar PV capacity of up to two times the pump capacity. The excess solar power generated will be sold to DISCOMs, with CFA of 30% of the cost provided by the government.
Conclusion
PM-KUSUM is a valuable initiative by the Indian government to provide energy security to farmers and to achieve the goal of 40% of India’s electric power capacity from non-fossil fuels. With the amendments made to the scheme and its successful implementation, farmers will be able to generate their own renewable energy and use it for their irrigation needs. This will not only provide energy security but also help in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development in the country.
