India’s shift toward renewable energy has gained significant momentum in recent years, with solar energy emerging as a key driver. Among the government’s initiatives, the PM-KUSUM scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) stands out as a flagship program promoting solar adoption among farmers. Launched in 2019, the scheme is scheduled to run until 2026, and with less than a year remaining, it’s important to assess how far it has progressed and who is benefiting.

The Need for PM-KUSUM

The world is increasingly facing the challenges of climate change, making the reduction of coal-based power consumption a top priority for governments. Transitioning from conventional energy sources to renewables, particularly solar energy, has become a strategic focus. Farmers, who have vast land resources, are being encouraged to participate in solar energy generation, both for their own use and for feeding surplus electricity into the grid.

Overview of the PM-KUSUM Scheme

PM-KUSUM aims to provide financial and technical support to farmers to install solar pumps, set up small-scale solar plants, and utilize renewable energy efficiently. The scheme has three major components:

1. Solar Pump Sets: Subsidies for installing solar-powered water pumps for irrigation, reducing dependency on grid electricity.

2. Grid-Connected Solar Plants: Farmers can set up solar plants on barren or underutilized land to generate electricity and sell it to the grid, earning additional income.

3. Solarization of Existing Pump Sets: Converting conventional pump sets to solar-powered pumps to save energy costs and promote sustainability.

Impact on the Solar Energy Sector

Since its inception, PM-KUSUM has played a pivotal role in accelerating solar adoption in rural India. Key achievements include:

• Increased solar capacity: Thousands of solar pumps and small solar plants have been installed across various states.

• Farmer income boost: Farmers are now earning by selling surplus electricity to state electricity boards, providing an additional revenue stream.

• Energy transition: The scheme contributes to lowering dependency on coal, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy use.

Who Is Benefiting?

The beneficiaries of PM-KUSUM are primarily:

• Small and "2659" data-end="2780">

  Rural communities: Access to renewable energy improves irrigation and electricity supply, enhancing productivity.

State grids and energy sector: Surplus solar power contributes to the overall renewable energy capacity of the country.

Remaining Timeline and Goals

With the scheme ending in 2026, there is less than a year left to achieve its targets. The government aims to solarize over 20 lakh agricultural pumps and set up numerous grid-connected solar plants. Awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate farmers about the financial and environmental benefits of the program.

Conclusion

PM-KUSUM has significantly accelerated the adoption of solar energy in the agricultural sector, providing financial benefits to farmers while contributing to India’s renewable energy targets. As the scheme approaches its final year, it is critical for farmers and stakeholders to leverage the remaining time to maximize benefits.

The scheme demonstrates how policy initiatives can simultaneously address climate change, energy security, and rural livelihood enhancement, making it a key component of India’s renewable energy strategy.