Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers helps farmers move to sustainable agriculture by giving big subsidies for installing solar irrigation pumps. Made for individual farmers and groups, this scheme aims to de-dieselize farming, create extra income from power sales, and cut irrigation costs across the country. The scheme is now extended till 31 March 2027, so farmers can still apply through their state portals.
The scheme has a national target of adding 34,800 MW of solar capacity with total central support of ₹34,422 crore. More than 2.8 million solar agricultural pumps have already been deployed, and the government keeps expanding the scope for new applicants.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers - Introduction
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers is a central government scheme launched in March 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It helps farmers install solar-powered irrigation systems with a subsidy of up to 60% of the total cost. By moving away from diesel-dependent pumps, farmers can lower their farming expenses and help the environment.
The scheme gives farmers modern energy technology. Beyond reducing reliance on costly diesel, it lets farmers use their land for solar power generation. If a farmer produces extra power, it can be sold to the local electricity distribution company, creating a steady secondary income.
The scheme works under three main components:
- Component A: Support for setting up decentralized grid-connected solar power plants of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity on barren or uncultivated land, with DISCOMs buying the power at a feed-in-tariff set by the state regulator.
- Component B: Support for installing stand-alone solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP capacity in off-grid areas, with a target of 14 lakh pumps.
- Component C: Financial support for solarizing existing grid-connected agricultural pumps, including feeder level solarization, with a target of 35 lakh pumps.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary Area | Pan India |
| Category | Utility, Infrastructure |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual Farmers, FPOs, Panchayats |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy |
| Launch Date | March 2019 |
| Scheme Period | Extended till 31 March 2027 |
| Central Support | ₹34,422 crore |
Benefits
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers offers several advantages to support farming:
- Farmers can cut irrigation costs significantly by switching to solar power instead of costly diesel.
- The government gives a strong financial structure where central and state subsidies together cover up to 60% of the cost. With bank finance, a farmer only needs to pay about 10% of the cost at the start.
- Farmers can earn a steady passive income by selling surplus electricity back to the grid through DISCOMs.
- Those who own barren or uncultivated land can lease it for solar plant installation and earn stable rental income for up to 25 years.
- Stilt-mounted solar panel designs allow farming to continue underneath the panels, keeping the land productive.
- Using clean, renewable energy encourages eco-friendly farming and reduces farm pollution.
Eligibility
To take part in Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers, a person must fall into one of the following categories:
Individual farmers or a collective group of farmers can apply. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), local Panchayats, agricultural co-operatives, and registered Water User Associations are also encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Farmers can apply through the official national portal or their state implementing agency. The steps are given below:
STEP 1 - Visit the official national portal at pmkusum.mnre.gov.in or the website of the state implementing agency.
STEP 2 - Register the details accurately as asked on the portal, using the Aadhaar linked mobile number.
STEP 3 - After registration, log in to the solar pump subsidy dashboard with the created credentials.
STEP 4 - Fill out the application form with land and electricity connection details, and choose the relevant component.
STEP 5 - After verification, deposit the required beneficiary share (typically around 10%) with the vendor authorized by the state department. Installation usually begins after the subsidy is approved.
Documents
While applying, the following documents should be kept ready:
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership records such as Khasra or Khatauni
- Active bank account passbook for subsidy transfers
- A signed declaration form
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Recent passport size photograph
References
Official Guidelines PDF | National Portal | List of Implementing Agencies
FAQ's
What Are The Three Components of The Scheme?
The scheme includes Component A for decentralized solar plants, Component B for stand-alone solar pumps, and Component C for solarizing existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.
Who Can Purchase The Generated Electricity?
Local electricity distribution companies, known as DISCOMs, purchase the excess power that farmers generate at a feed-in-tariff set by the state regulator.
Is There A Financial Limit on Subsidies?
Yes, subsidies are calculated on the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower. A farmer may get a 30% central subsidy and a 30% state subsidy, leaving about 40% to be paid, which can be covered partly through bank loan.
Can I Lease My Land Instead of Installing The Plant Myself?
Yes, under Component A a land owner can lease barren land to a developer under mutually agreed terms instead of setting up the plant personally.
Where Should I Call for Further Assistance?
For more information, visit the official MNRE website or the national portal, or call the central toll-free number at 1800-180-3333.