By For most of the Indian farmers, power supply is vital for the purpose of irrigation and various other farming operations. Inadequate supply of power and costs related to the use of diesel might make the operation of irrigation pumps difficult. Solar power provides an option through which sunlight could be utilized in order to produce power for agricultural purposes.
PM-KUSUM stands for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan and is a governmental program intended to promote solar power for agriculture.
What is the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
The PM-KUSUM Scheme is designed to reduce dependence on irrigation facilities run by diesel gensets, promote renewable energy sources, and help farmers earn additional money through selling power generated via solar energy. The scheme consists of three schemes addressing various goals according to the requirements of farmers.
Understanding the Three Components of PM-KUSUM
Component A: Grid-Connected Decentralized Solar Power Plants
It is about the development of grid-connected decentralized solar power plants. The size of the power plants will usually be between 500 kW and 2 MW according to the guidelines available. The eligible farmers and other parties can also avail of it through suitable agreements.
Component B: Standalone Solar Pumps
It is about the development of stand-alone solar pumps for agricultural purposes, especially in places where there is no grid-based electricity available.
Component C: Solarization of Existing Pumps
It deals with solarizing existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. Depending on the agreement, the farmers will be able to utilize solar energy for irrigation and sell the excess electricity to the distribution company.
What Subsidy Is Available Under the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
Subsidies under the PM-KUSUM program makes it easier for farmers who meet the requirements to install solar systems. As per the officially notified guidelines, the central financial subsidy for standalone and individual pump solarization is 30% of the lower of the benchmark or tender cost. State governments contribute extra subsidy as per the official guidelines.
There are higher levels of central subsidy provided for some specific eligible areas. The actual final subsidy that a farmer needs to pay is dependent on the scheme component, state subsidy, approved cost of the system, and official guidelines.
Farmers need to check the latest subsidy policy with their respective state agency implementing the scheme.
Who Is Eligible for the PM-KUSUM Scheme?
Eligibility will depend upon the component of the scheme and its state-wise implementation. Individuals who qualify for the scheme could be farmers for solar-powered pumps or solarisation of pumps. Some of the eligible applicants could also be farmer groups, cooperatives, panchayats, Farmer Producer Organisations, or Water User Associations for certain components.
Potential applicants should verify the eligibility criteria based on location, landholding, irrigation availability, and electricity connectivity.
How to Apply for the PM-KUSUM Scheme
Farmers interested in the PM-KUSUM solar pump scheme can follow these steps:
- Check availability: Visit the official PM-KUSUM portal to find information about the relevant state implementing agency.
- Identify the component: Determine whether the requirement is for a standalone pump, an existing pump’s solarisation, or a solar power plant.
- Review documentation: Check the required identity, land, banking, and pump or electricity connection documents, as applicable.
- Verify costs and vendors: Confirm approved suppliers, equipment specifications, and the beneficiary contribution.
- Follow official instructions: Apply through the designated channel and wait for eligibility and approval confirmation.
How Do Solar PV Modules Help Farmers?
Solar PV panels generate electricity that can power compatible agricultural water pumps. Efficiency is influenced by factors such as availability of sunshine, capacity of the pump, water needs, and depth of water extraction. Correct sizing will help achieve the desired performance.
When looking for solar equipment, farmers may consider the solar panels from a reputable solar panel manufacturing company in India. There are many solar PV modules from Waaree Energies. In the case of PM-KUSUM, farmers are encouraged to ensure that the equipment chosen conforms to the scheme requirements.
Conclusion
The PM-KUSUM scheme provides eligible farmers an opportunity to learn about using solar energy for irrigation, become less dependent on traditional sources of power, and generate additional income by supplying excess energy according to the relevant agreement. Knowing the elements, subsidy criteria, and the application procedure is useful for farmers. Being a major solar panel manufacturer in India with 25.8 GW production capacity, Waaree Energies participates in popularizing solar energy through solar PV modules.
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