The Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana was launched in 2019. This scheme operates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It encourages farmers to install solar pumps.

PM Kusum Yojana: Timely access to electricity is a major problem for farmers and industries in the country. Lack of electricity, especially for agricultural irrigation, directly impacts production. In this context, the government is taking steps to provide relief to farmers and promote solar energy. Under this initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana is being implemented, which aims to reduce farmers' costs and increase their income by connecting them with solar pumps and solar energy. Let us now explain how farmers can obtain solar pumps for irrigation and how they can benefit from this.

What is Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana was launched in 2019. This scheme operates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It encourages farmers to install solar pumps and generate solar energy. The aim of this scheme is to reduce dependence on diesel and electricity and make farming affordable and easier.

How much subsidy is available?

Under this scheme, farmers receive a substantial subsidy for installing solar pumps. The central and state governments jointly share the majority of the total cost. Typically, farmers receive a 70 to 80 percent subsidy, while some states provide up to 60 percent subsidies. Farmers must pay the remaining amount themselves, and are also eligible for bank loans.

How is earning done from solar pump?

Farmers can irrigate their fields with solar pumps, reducing electricity and diesel costs. Furthermore, if farmers install solar power plants on their land, they can generate electricity. A one-megawatt plant requires approximately four to five acres of land, which can generate a significant amount of electricity annually. Farmers can also earn additional income by selling this electricity.

Which farmers get the benefit?

All farmers in the country can benefit from this scheme, especially those who rely on diesel or petrol or who do not have an electricity connection. Priority is given to farmers who must have their own land. In some cases, farmers with barren land are also given priority. To install a solar pump, farmers must submit certain documents, including their Aadhaar card, land documents, bank passbook, mobile number, and passport-size photo.

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