changeadminIndia installed over 6.1 lakh solar pumps by December 2024 through its PM-KUSUM Scheme, compared to 3.3 lakh solar pumps installed by December 2021. Further, more than 4 lakh farmers have benefited from this scheme.
The PM-KUSUM Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a financial assistance program to support renewable, clean, and environmentally friendly irrigation facilities.
Launched in March 2019, the PM-KUSUM Scheme supports farmers in India by offering financial assistance for installing solar-powered irrigation systems, including solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.
By shifting to solar energy, the scheme helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy access in rural agricultural areas. Further, it reduces dependency on diesel pumps, leading to lower fuel costs and improving energy access in rural agricultural areas.
In regions where the power grid is unavailable or unreliable, solar irrigation systems can be a game-changer as they can be installed in remote agricultural areas where traditional power sources might not be feasible, improving water access for farmers.
Solar-powered systems often leverage technology, like sensors and automated controls, which can help optimize water usage and reduce waste, particularly in many regions in India facing water scarcity or droughts.
While the initial setup costs are high, solar-powered irrigation systems save money over time by eliminating energy costs associated with electricity or diesel-powered pumps.
To mitigate the impact of higher setup costs, under the PM-KUSUM scheme, the Indian government provide subsidies up to 30% or 50% of the total cost for the installation of standalone solar pumps and the solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.
There are components of the PM-KUSUM Scheme
Key achievements pf PM- KUSUM under the different components.
Indian agriculture provides livelihood support to about 42.3 per cent of the population and has a share of 18.2 per cent in the country’s GDP. For the farmers to have a consistent water source for agriculture, energy is critical for powering their pumps, etc.
Solar-powered irrigation is a cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient way to ensure reliable water delivery for farming, especially in areas where access to energy is limited or expensive.
Add comment