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PM-KUSUM Hits 10,203 MW Milestone: How India's Solar Farm Scheme is Transforming Agriculture

The PM-KUSUM scheme has marked significant progress with over 10,000 MW of installed capacity. The government has released substantial funds to states to support this farmer-centric solar initiative. The program not only provides subsidies for solar pumps but also lets farmers generate income by selling surplus power. This effort is part of India's broader push for energy justice and rural empowerment.

Key Points: PM-KUSUM Scheme Installs 10,203 MW Solar Capacity for Farmers

  • Over 10,203 MW of solar capacity installed under the scheme as of November 2024
  • Central funds of Rs 7,106 crore released to states based on demand and progress
  • Scheme prioritizes small farmers and those using micro-irrigation techniques
  • Allows farmers to install solar plants on barren land and sell power to DISCOMs
2 min read

PM-KUSUM records huge implementation progress with 10,203 MW installed till Nov

India's PM-KUSUM scheme achieves 10,2O3 MW installed capacity, releasing Rs 7,106 crore to states for solar pumps and farmer income enhancement.

"Through transformative initiatives like PM-KUSUM... India is leading efforts to ensure energy justice and empower the poorest. - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy"

New Delhi, Dec 10

A total of 10, 203 MW has been installed under all components of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) scheme as of November end marking significant progress in implementation, the government said on Wednesday.

As of November 30, Rs 7,106 crore has been released to states based on demands received from them, according to an official statement.

The funds under PM KUSUM scheme are released based on the demand received, progress reported by the State Implementing Agences (SIA) and as per provisions of the scheme guidelines.

To increase the reach of PM KUSUM scheme, extensive outreach and capacity-building workshops are conducted by the Ministry from time to time, the statement said.

This also includes periodic review and handholding meetings with the implementing states, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said.

PM KUSUM scheme, implemented across all states and union territories, allows participation by individual farmers and their groups such as farmer producer organisations, water user associations and primary agriculture credit societies (PACS).

The ministry said it has simplified procedures and issued comprehensive revised guidelines on January 17, 2024 to ease implementation.

The scheme guidelines mandate that priority would be given to small and marginal farmers and farmers using micro irrigation techniques.

PM-KUSUM Scheme for de-dieselisation of farm sector and enhancing the income of farmers provides central government subsidy upto 30 per cent or 50 per cent of the total cost is given for the installation of standalone solar pumps and also for the solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.

Further, farmers can also install grid-connected solar power plants up to 2MW under the Scheme on their barren/fallow land and sell electricity to local DISCOM at a tariff determined by state regulator.

Through transformative initiatives like PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-JANMAN and 'One Sun, One World, One Grid', India is leading efforts to ensure energy justice, empower the poorest, and strengthen South-South cooperation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the numbers, but the real test is on the ground. In our village in Tamil Nadu, the application process is still very slow and full of red tape. The scheme is excellent, but implementation needs to be faster and more transparent for the average farmer.
V
Vikram M
Solarising agriculture is the future. It tackles two big problems - rising diesel costs for farmers and pollution. The part about selling excess power to DISCOMs is a game-changer for extra income. Hope more states promote this actively.
R
Rohit P
₹7,106 crore released is a significant investment. As a taxpayer, I want to see audits and reports on how this money is being used at the district level. Accountability is key for such large-scale schemes.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from an environmental perspective, this is a massive step for India's green transition. Empowering farmers to become clean energy producers is a brilliant model that other developing nations should study.
N
Nikhil C
Priority to small & marginal farmers is the most important line in this article. They are the backbone of India and often get left behind. Hope the local officials are following this guideline properly. Jai Kisan!

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