PM Kusum Yojana: Agriculture, the backbone of India, is facing numerous challenges due to increasing costs of electricity, diesel, and environmental concerns. In a bid to ease the burden on farmers and help them increase their productivity, the Indian government has launched the PM Kusum Yojana (Prime Minister Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan). This initiative aims to provide solar pumps to farmers, especially the small and marginal ones, enabling them to reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources while promoting sustainability and profitability.
A Step Toward Sustainability and Savings
India has a massive farming community with over 238.22 million farmers, of which a staggering 93% are small and marginal farmers. These farmers often face the dual challenge of rising costs for electricity and fuel, which increases their operational expenses, thereby lowering their profits. The PM Kusum Yojana is designed to address this issue by introducing solar-powered irrigation pumps, a cleaner, greener, and more cost-effective alternative. With this initiative, farmers can save significantly on electricity bills and reduce their dependence on diesel-powered pumps.
For farmers, the benefits are twofold. They can now irrigate their crops more efficiently while significantly cutting down on operational costs. Moreover, they will also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How Does the Scheme Work?
The PM Kusum Yojana follows a simple yet effective mechanism: it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The government is committed to providing solar pumps at a highly subsidized rate to small and marginal farmers. In fact, these farmers will only have to pay 10% of the total cost of the pump, while the remaining 90% will be borne by the state government. Larger farmers, on the other hand, will pay 20% of the total cost.
This initiative encourages the adoption of solar energy, thereby contributing to a sustainable farming model. The government’s effort to reduce electricity and diesel consumption in the agricultural sector not only helps farmers save money but also ensures that farming becomes more eco-friendly.
How Can Farmers Apply?
Applying for the solar pumps under the PM Kusum Yojana is simple and straightforward. Farmers can visit the official website of the scheme and click on the option to book a solar pump. After that, they need to generate a token for their registration. Farmers are required to enter their mobile number and provide necessary documents, including their Aadhar card, land documents, and bank details, such as the account number and IFSC code.
Once the registration process is complete, the application will be submitted, and a selection committee at the district and state levels will process it. The allocation of solar pumps will then be done through a lottery or first-come, first-served system, ensuring fairness and transparency.
The Solar Pump Advantage: What Are the Terms and Conditions?
One of the key features of the PM Kusum Yojana is the subsidy and loan facility. The government provides 60% subsidy to farmers, with an additional 30% available as a loan. This means that farmers will only need to pay 10% of the total cost upfront, which makes solar pumps very affordable.
However, there are certain conditions that farmers must meet. One of the key eligibility criteria is that the farmer must have their own borewell. If, during verification, the borewell is found to be non-existent or invalid, the farmer’s application may be disqualified, and the token money could be seized.
Solar Pumps: A Long-Term Solution
The use of solar-powered pumps in agriculture is not a new concept. The PM Kusum Yojana builds on a legacy of previous solar pump schemes aimed at helping farmers save on energy costs. Since 2017, over 79,516 solar pumps have been installed across the country. With a target to install 45,000 more solar pumps under this new phase, the government’s vision is to make solar-powered irrigation a standard practice across India’s farming landscape.
Farmers will also be able to generate extra income by selling any surplus electricity they produce from the solar pumps back to the grid. This not only boosts the income of farmers but also contributes to the country’s green energy push.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Farmers
In essence, the PM Kusum Yojana is more than just a government initiative – it is a promise to Indian farmers. A promise that with the help of solar energy, they can reduce their operational costs, increase their productivity, and make farming a more profitable and sustainable endeavor. As the scheme continues to evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope for farmers struggling to keep up with the high costs of traditional farming resources.
Disclaimer: The details provided in this article are based on the information available at the time of writing. Farmers interested in applying for solar pumps under PM Kusum Yojana are encouraged to visit the official government website for the latest updates, terms, and conditions.