The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM Kusum) is a government scheme launched in 2018 to promote the use of solar power among farmers in India. The primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial and policy support to farmers for setting up solar power plants on their lands.
Under the PM Kusum Scheme, farmers are encouraged to install solar panels on their farmlands to generate electricity for their own consumption as well as sell the surplus power to the grid. This not only helps in reducing the electricity bills for farmers but also provides them with an additional source of income by selling the excess electricity.
The scheme also aims to provide reliable irrigation facilities to farmers by setting up solar-powered pumps. These pumps can help farmers in areas where grid power supply is unreliable or unavailable, ensuring a continuous water supply for agriculture.
One of the key features of the PM Kusum Scheme is the provision of subsidies and financial incentives to farmers for installing solar power plants and solar pumps. The government offers a 30% subsidy on the cost of solar panels and pumps, with the remaining amount being financed through loans from banks and other financial institutions.
In addition to financial support, the PM Kusum Scheme also provides technical assistance to farmers for the installation and maintenance of solar power plants and pumps. Training programs are conducted to educate farmers about the benefits of solar energy and how to optimize its use for agricultural purposes.
Overall, the PM Kusum Scheme is a step towards promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing the carbon footprint of farming operations. By harnessing the power of the sun, farmers can not only reduce their dependence on non-renewable sources of energy but also contribute to the fight against climate change.