PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)

Introduction 

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is an agriculture scheme launched by the Government of India in 2019 to support farmers across India with solar energy solutions. This initiative aims to make irrigation more affordable and reliable by helping farmers set up solar pumps and renewable energy systems, reducing their dependence on costly and uncertain diesel or grid power. The scheme is designed for farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and rural entrepreneurs who want to access clean energy, lower expenses, and use their land for productive purposes.

PM-KUSUM responds to key challenges in rural India: high electricity bills, limited access to reliable power for agriculture, and the need for sustainable water management. By promoting solar equipment, it aims to boost farm incomes, cut carbon emissions, and ensure steady irrigation throughout the year. Eligible applicants can benefit from subsidies and incentives, with a simple process for application and installation of projects in their state. PM-KUSUM reflects India’s push for renewable energy, farmer welfare, and a greener rural economy, making it an important step in building resilience for agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Overview of the Scheme

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a central government scheme launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, in 2019 to ensure energy security for farmers while promoting clean power sources. The scheme is implemented across India with support from MNRE, local State Governments, and distribution companies (DISCOMs). Activities are coordinated by state-level renewable energy agencies and departments focused on agriculture and energy.

The scheme has three main components:

• Decentralized grid-connected solar power plants on barren or fallow land (farmers, FPOs, panchayats, cooperatives can participate)
• Installation of standalone solar agricultural pumps for off-grid areas
• Solarization of existing grid-connected pumps, allowing farmers to use solar energy for irrigation and sell surplus power to DISCOMs at fixed rates

Funding for solar pumps and solarized pumps follows a 30:30:40 pattern for most states: 30% subsidy from the central government, 30% from the state, and 40% paid by the beneficiary (farmer). For North Eastern states, hilly states, and Union Territories, the funding is even higher: 50% central, 30% state, and only 20% by the farmer. For decentralized solar power plants, MNRE provides a procurement-based incentive (PBI) to encourage DISCOMs to buy power generated by farmers.

Currently, PM-KUSUM is an ongoing and evolving scheme, with its scope and processes modified to make it more accessible and efficient for farmers in different regions. For example, a farmer in Maharashtra can apply for a standalone solar pump and receive subsidies from both the central and state governments, helping cut costs and ensure reliable irrigation. This overview highlights PM-KUSUM as a practical agriculture scheme improving energy access, lowering expenses, and supporting clean energy adoption for Indian farmers.

Objectives 

The objectives of PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) are set out by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and focus on practical benefits for farmers, energy security, and environmental sustainability. This agriculture scheme’s goals clearly support farmer welfare and India’s commitment to clean energy. The main purposes are easy for everyone to understand:

• Increase solar and renewable energy use in agriculture by setting up decentralized solar power plants and solarizing agricultural pumps.
• Reduce dependence on diesel and grid electricity for irrigation by providing standalone solar pumps to farmers.
• Support farmers in earning additional income by allowing them to sell surplus solar power to electricity companies (DISCOMs).
• Enhance water and energy security for farmers, ensuring reliable year-round irrigation.
• Promote environmentally friendly practices by cutting down carbon emissions and curbing air pollution from diesel pumps.
• Create opportunities for both individual farmers and farmer groups, self-help groups, and cooperatives to participate in the scheme.
• Achieve solar capacity addition targets, including installing lakhs of solar pumps and grid-connected systems by the deadline (for example: 30.8 GW by March 2026).
• Honor India’s national commitments to increase non-fossil-fuel energy capacity and sustainable farming practices.

Together, these objectives make PM-KUSUM a farmer-friendly, forward-thinking scheme, helping rural communities move towards more secure, affordable, and green energy for agriculture.

Key Features / Benefits 

The PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme provides a wide range of benefits and features that help farmers, groups, and communities across India move towards sustainable, affordable, and secure energy for agriculture. Its assistance comes through clear components and rules that can be understood and accessed by eligible participants. Here are the key features and benefits explained simply:

Central Subsidy on Solar Pumps

Farmers can get up to 30% or 50% subsidy from the central government for standalone solar pumps. (Example: A smallholder in Maharashtra installing a solar pump may get 30% subsidy, while one in the North East could receive 50%.)

State Government Support

State governments add their own subsidies, often matching or supplementing the central share based on local policies. (Example: A farmer in Rajasthan can benefit from additional state aid when applying.)

Affordable Contribution by Farmers

Farmers usually pay around 10–40% of the total cost, depending on the location and category. This makes equipment more accessible for small and marginal farmers.

Solar Pumps for Off-Grid Irrigation

The scheme covers installation of standalone solar pumps (up to 7.5 HP) for off-grid areas where grid electricity is unavailable. (Example: A farmer in a remote village can irrigate fields reliably, without diesel.)

Grid-Connected Pump Solarization

PM-KUSUM helps convert existing grid-connected pumps to solar, reducing electricity bills and making irrigation more reliable.

Sell Surplus Solar Power

Farmers and landowners can sell excess power generated by solar panels to local electricity companies (DISCOMs), earning extra income. (Example: A farmer with extra solar capacity can get paid for unused energy.)

Install Solar Plants on Barren or Elevated Land

Solar plants can be set up on barren or fallow lands, or on stilts above cropland, so farming can continue underneath. (Example: A community installs a solar array on unused land, turning it productive.)

Special Subsidy for NE, Hill States, and SC/ST

Marginal farmers, those in Northeastern and hilly states, and SC/ST eligible groups receive higher central support (up to 50%).

Options for Farmer Groups, FPOs, Cooperatives

Groups such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and panchayats can set up shared solar projects, lowering costs and pooling benefits.

Reliable Daytime Irrigation

Solar pumps provide dependable water supply during daylight, reducing pressure on grid power and diesel costs.

Stable Income from Unused Land

Rural landowners can use their unused or barren land for solar plants and earn income through long-term leasing or direct participation. (Example: A landowner leases a plot for 25 years, gaining a secure source of earnings.)

Easy Application Process

Farmers apply online with basic documents – Aadhar card, land papers, and bank passbook – making it accessible even for small owners.

These features make PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) a transformative agriculture scheme, combining practical benefits like subsidy, grant, and secure energy with real-world opportunities for rural prosperity.

Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) are clear and defined by official guidelines. The scheme welcomes a variety of beneficiaries who help move Indian agriculture toward cleaner, more secure energy. Every participant type has its own specific requirements explained below, making it easy for applicants to check who can apply and what is needed.

Individual Farmers

Any farmer owning or cultivating land can apply, regardless of size of holding. Applicants must be Indian residents, typically 18 years or older, with proof of identity (Aadhaar card), land records/Khasra Khatauni, and an active bank account (passbook required). Residency and ownership ensure that the subsidy and benefits reach genuine farmers.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Registered and actively operating SHGs can apply if their group is linked to a bank and up-to-date in activities. Proper registration and bank linkage show the group is credible and organized.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Officially registered FPOs and Producer Companies are eligible, provided they have active operations and meet any minimum membership criteria set by the scheme or local agencies. Registration demonstrates capacity to manage group-based solar projects well.

Panchayats, Cooperatives, Water User Associations

These groups must have official registration and active agricultural engagement in their areas. Their role is to facilitate larger or community-based installations near substations.

Entrepreneurs, Startups, MSMEs

If specified by the implementing agency, registration (such as UDYAM, GST) may be required for setting up solar plants on eligible land. They must fulfill minimum net worth requirements, such as ₹1 crore per MW if building larger installations. This financial capacity ensures successful implementation.

Special Categories

Preference or higher subsidy is given to applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), women farmers, North Eastern and Himalayan states, and other marginal groups if officially specified. These groups help ensure inclusive benefits.

Project and Land Requirements

Projects (Component-A) must be within 5 km of the nearest electricity substation, and land must be registered to the applicant or group for the intended use. For every MW of solar power, about 2 hectares of eligible land is needed.

Mandatory Documents

Essential documents include Aadhaar card (identity), land records/ownership proofs, bank account passbook, registration certificates (for groups or institutions), and in some cases, a detailed project report (DPR) or quotations for equipment.

Not Eligible

Applicants are not eligible if they attempt to claim duplicate benefits using the same land/project under more than one government scheme, or if land/project does not meet official location or registry rules. This ensures transparency and fair access.

By meeting these simple criteria, farmers and eligible groups can access PM-KUSUM scheme benefits, provided they submit correct documents so the process remains fair and effective.

Application Process

The application process for PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is designed to be straightforward, mainly through an online portal managed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Applicants can also approach designated local offices if they prefer offline support. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to apply online along with details on documents, verification, and assistance release.

1. Visit the official PM-KUSUM portal or your state-specific PM-KUSUM registration site. The central portal is https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in for general information. Your state may have a separate, linked portal.
2. Register an account by providing your mobile number and email, and create a login password.
3. Log in and select the relevant scheme component (Component A, B, or C) depending on whether you want to install solar pumps, solarize existing pumps, or set up decentralized solar power plants.
4. Fill out the application form sections:
   • Beneficiary details: name, age, contact info, Aadhaar number.
   • Land and farm details: location, area, ownership proof.
   • Project/component selection: type and capacity of solar pump or plant.
   • Bank details: account number and IFSC for subsidy transfer.
5. Upload mandatory documents such as Aadhaar card, land ownership papers, bank passbook, registration certificates (for SHGs/FPOs), quotations for solar equipment, and where applicable, detailed project reports.
6. Pay any applicable processing fee if required by your state (some states charge a nominal fee e.g., ₹100).
7. Submit your application; you will receive an acknowledgment and application ID for tracking purposes.
8. Authorities conduct field inspections or verification visits to confirm eligibility and site feasibility.
9. Upon approval, the subsidy and assistance are generally credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
10. If you prefer offline application, visit your nearest agriculture department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ATMA office, or block development office for assistance and submission.

Helpline contacts for queries include:

• MNRE Toll-Free Number: 1800-180-3333
• Email: pmkusum-mnre@gov.in

Tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Ensure name and Aadhaar details match exactly on all documents.
• Upload clear scans of all required papers to prevent processing delays.
• Submit applications before the deadline (registration currently open till March 31, 2026).
• Apply only once per component; duplicate applications may get rejected.

This clear process helps farmers and eligible groups apply online confidently for PM-KUSUM benefits and enables timely subsidy release, supporting India’s push for renewable energy in agriculture.

Challenges or Limitations 

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is an important scheme with many benefits, but like any large program, it faces some challenges and limitations. Understanding these common issues and practical solutions can help applicants and administrators make the scheme more effective.

Challenge: Delays due to verification and approvals

Getting documents verified and completing field inspections can take time, slowing the overall process.

What to do: Keep all land and identity documents updated and ready before applying to avoid delays during verification.

Challenge: Limited budget and slow fund release

The scheme is demand-driven, and sometimes the allocated funds or state contributions cause slowdowns.

What to do: Apply early and follow up with local implementing agencies to ensure timely processing and fund release.

Challenge: Seasonal windows and agricultural cycles

Farmers need the pumps installed before irrigation seasons but sometimes installations get delayed.

What to do: Apply ahead of irrigation seasons and plan installation dates with local authorities.

Challenge: Mismatch in documents causing rejection

Name differences, land ownership issues, or incomplete papers can lead to application rejections.

What to do: Double-check all document details match exactly (name, Aadhaar, land records) and submit clear, complete copies.

Challenge: Limited availability of compliant solar pumps

Domestic content requirements and supply constraints sometimes restrict options for farmers.

What to do: Consult approved vendors through official channels to select eligible solar pump models.

Challenge: Low incentive in areas with cheap grid electricity

Farmers with subsidized or free electricity may be less motivated to switch to solar pumps.

What to do: Focus on the long-term savings, income from selling surplus power, and environmental benefits.

Challenge: Technical and maintenance knowledge gaps

Some farmers find it difficult to maintain solar pumps or troubleshoot issues.

What to do: Use local training offered by state agencies or NGOs, and choose reliable equipment with support.

Challenge: Coordination between central and state bodies

Bureaucratic delays and uneven implementation across states impact the scheme’s overall success.

What to do: Encourage decentralization and better communication between agencies, while farmers should contact local scheme offices for status updates.

These challenges show that while PM-KUSUM offers great benefits, awareness and preparation can help overcome common obstacles. Following official guidelines closely and engaging with local support systems ensure smoother applications and better results for farmers.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is designed to work in harmony with other key agricultural missions, creating a powerful network of support for farmers and farmer groups. This convergence enhances benefits, reduces duplication, and helps farmers maximize their resources and income.

• The scheme links closely with initiatives like PM-KISAN, which provides direct income support, and the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF), aiding farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to invest in renewable energy along with infrastructure development. This integrated approach ensures farmers get energy security and financial support simultaneously.
• PM-KUSUM converges with schemes such as PMFBY (crop insurance) and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), helping create a sustainable farming ecosystem where renewable energy, financial protection, and technology-based support come together.
• For example, a farmer who receives PM-KISAN income support can use subsidies from PM-KUSUM to install solar pumps, while leveraging credits from AIF for infrastructure improvements. This combination helps reduce input costs, enhances irrigation reliability, and opens new income sources by selling excess solar power.
• The government extended the PM-KUSUM scheme timeline to March 31, 2026, and continues to improve budget allocation and procedural clarity to meet renewable capacity targets and enhance farmer participation.
• Future plans focus on increasing solar pump installations, promoting decentralized solar power plants, and strengthening linkages with local energy providers and agriculture extension services to ensure smooth adoption at the grassroots level.

By combining efforts with related missions, PM-KUSUM facilitates a more resilient and resource-efficient agricultural sector, enabling farmers to benefit from diverse government schemes without confusion or overlap.

Conclusion 

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a vital scheme that supports Indian farmers by providing affordable and reliable solar energy solutions for irrigation and farming needs. It helps reduce dependence on costly diesel and electricity while offering opportunities to earn additional income by selling surplus power. Marginal farmers, farmer groups, and rural entrepreneurs gain the most from its benefits, including subsidies and clean energy access. To take advantage of PM-KUSUM, interested individuals should first check their eligibility on the official PM-KUSUM portal (https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in), prepare necessary documents like Aadhaar, land records, and bank details, and consult their local agriculture or renewable energy office for guidance. Always verify the latest scheme updates and deadlines on the official portal or helpline to avoid missing out on benefits.

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.