Why in the news?

  • The Union government is looking to showcase the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Man tri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) programme to several African countries and island nations, Union Minister for Renewable Energy (MNRE) said.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM – KUSUM)

  • Launch: 2019
  • Ministry: Union Ministry for Renewable Energy (MNRE)
  • Aim: To help farmers access reliable daytime solar power for irrigation, reduce power subsidies, and decarbonise agriculture.
  • Components:
    • Component A:
      • 10,000 MW decentralized solar plants (up to 2 MW each) on barren/fallow land
      • Power purchased by DISCOMs at regulated tariff
    • Component B:
      • 17.5 lakh standalone solar pumps for irrigation (off-grid)
    • Component C:
      • Solarization of 10 lakh existing grid-connected pumps
      • Farmers can sell surplus solar power to DISCOMs
  • Funding:
    • Central Government: 30% subsidy
    • State Government: 30% subsidy
    • Farmer’s contribution: 40% (which can be partly financed through bank loans)
  • Target: To add 30.8 GW of solar capacity by 2026 (extended from 2022)
  • Implementation: Implemented through State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) and DISCOMs.
  • Significance:
    • Energy Security: Ensures reliable power for irrigation, reducing grid load.
    • Doubling Farmers’ Income: Farmers earn by selling surplus solar energy.
    • Climate Benefits: Reduces diesel consumption → lowers CO₂ emissions.
    • Decentralized Power: Encourages local generation and rural employment.
    • Land Utilization: Enables productive use of barren/fallow land.
  • Challenges:
    • High upfront cost for farmers despite subsidies.
    • Delayed payments from DISCOMs.
    • Land identification and connectivity issues in rural areas.
    • Awareness gaps and slow bank credit support.