Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana, better known as PM KUSUM, helps farmers cut irrigation costs by replacing diesel pump sets with solar-powered systems. The scheme, run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, gives farmers in Uttarakhand up to 80% subsidy to install standalone solar agriculture pumps.
The scheme is open for new applications through the state implementing agency. Farmers in Uttarakhand can convert their existing diesel pumps into solar systems and bring down their yearly irrigation spending.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana - Introduction
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana is a central scheme started by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in 2019 to move the farm sector away from diesel. In Uttarakhand, the Department of Minor Irrigation acts as the state implementing agency and handles the applications from farmers.
Under Component B of the scheme, individual farmers can install standalone solar agriculture pumps of up to 7.5 HP in areas where grid supply is not available. The financial support is shared between the central government, the state government and the farmer.
Key Information
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana |
| Level | Central |
| Target | Infra |
| Location | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| Sub Category | Land and water resources |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Department | Minor Irrigation Department |
Benefits
Under this scheme, a farmer in Uttarakhand receives an 80% subsidy on the total cost of the standalone solar pump set. The central government gives 50% and the state government adds 30%, so the farmer only has to bear 20% of the expenses.
Farmers can convert their existing diesel pump sets into solar systems with a capacity of up to 7.5 HP. For example, if Ramesh, a farmer in Dehradun, spends ₹10,000 annually on diesel, this switch would drastically lower his operational costs and let him keep more of his harvest profit.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, a farmer should meet the following criteria:
- Must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand and an active farmer involved in agricultural work.
- Must already possess a personal borewell and currently use a diesel pump set for irrigation.
- Must agree to pay the 20% share of the total installation cost.
- If choosing to install a Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) alongside the pump, must be ready to pay 100% of the cost for that specific add-on.
Application Process
Farmers can apply for the scheme through the state implementing agency. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the local Block or Sub-Division Office of the Minor Irrigation Department in the district.
STEP 2 - Submit the completed application form along with all the required documents.
STEP 3 - Wait for the department officials to conduct a site survey of the land.
STEP 4 - If the site is approved, deposit the 20% contribution at the designated office.
STEP 5 - Once the payment is processed, the department issues a work order to an empanelled firm to handle the installation of the solar pump.
Documents
Farmers should provide the necessary identification and land ownership records as prescribed by the department during the application process. Make sure the land deed, residency proof and identification are ready for the verification stage.
References
Official Minor Irrigation Department Website
Official PM KUSUM Scheme Page - MNRE
PM KUSUM Comprehensive Guidelines PDF
For more details, farmers can also check the PM KUSUM Yojana and the PM KUSUM Beneficiary List pages on this website.
FAQ's
How much subsidy will I receive?
A farmer in Uttarakhand receives an 80% subsidy on the solar pump set cost, shared between the central (50%) and state (30%) governments.
What is my financial contribution?
The farmer is responsible for paying 20% of the total cost of the pump set.
Which pump sets are eligible for conversion?
Existing diesel pump sets can be converted into solar-powered units, provided the capacity is up to 7.5 HP.
Where should I submit my application?
Applications are submitted to the Block or Sub-Division Office of the Department of Minor Irrigation in the district.
What is the next step after I apply?
Once the application is submitted, department officials visit the farm to conduct a site survey to check if the location is suitable for installation.
When is the payment due?
After the site is cleared in the survey, the farmer should deposit the 20% portion of the cost at the department office.
How is the pump installed?
Once the share is paid, the department assigns an empanelled firm that conducts a final site check and completes the installation of the new solar pump.