# PM KUSUM Scheme for Farmers — Complete Guide to Apply **Last Updated:** March 5, 2026 India has over 2 crore agricultural pump sets running on diesel or grid electricity — a major cost burden for farmers and a significant source of pollution. The PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme aims to solarise these pump sets, providing farmers with free or subsidized solar power while also generating income. Here is everything a farmer or agriculture officer needs to know about PM KUSUM. --- ## What is PM-KUSUM? Launched in 2019, PM-KUSUM is a ₹34,422 crore scheme with three components: ### Component A — Small Solar Power Plants (Up to 2 MW) - Farmers can set up solar plants of 500 kW to 2 MW on barren or fallow land - Power is sold to DISCOMs at a fixed tariff for 25 years - Provides stable income: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 per acre per year - Government provides 30% central subsidy, 30% state subsidy, farmer arranges 40% ### Component B — Standalone Solar Pumps - Replaces diesel-powered agricultural pumps with solar pumps - Individual pumps for individual farmers - Capacity: 7.5 HP (5.6 kW) pumps most common; up to 10 HP available - **Subsidy: 60% (30% central + 30% state)** - **Farmer pays only 10% (remaining 30% is soft loan from bank)** - Effectively, farmer pays only 10% of the cost ### Component C — Solarisation of Grid-Connected Pumps - Existing grid-connected electric pumps get solar panels added - Solar powers the pump during the day; excess electricity sold to grid - Farmer gets income from selling surplus solar power - **Subsidy: 30–35% on solar capacity** --- ## Component B Deep Dive: Solar Pump for Individual Farmer This is the most popular component. Here's how it works: ### Who is Eligible: - Indian farmer with agricultural land - Currently using diesel pump or in area with poor grid connectivity - Must have water source (borewell, open well, canal, pond) - Land must be free from dispute ### Pump Capacities Available: | Pump Size | Water Output | Suitable For | Total Cost | After Subsidy (Farmer Pays) | |-----------|------------|--------------|-----------|------------------------------| | 3 HP | 30,000–50,000 L/day | Small fields (up to 2.5 acres) | ₹3,00,000 | ₹30,000 | | 5 HP | 50,000–80,000 L/day | Medium fields (2.5–5 acres) | ₹4,50,000 | ₹45,000 | | 7.5 HP | 80,000–1,20,000 L/day | Large fields (5–10 acres) | ₹6,00,000 | ₹60,000 | | 10 HP | 1,20,000–1,80,000 L/day | Very large farms | ₹7,50,000 | ₹75,000 | *Actual costs vary by state. Bank loan available for remaining 30%.* ### Benefits for Farmer: 1. **Zero electricity cost** for irrigation (free solar energy) 2. **Independence from grid** — pump works even during power cuts 3. **No diesel cost** — currently many farmers spend ₹15,000–₹40,000/year on diesel 4. **Excess power income** (in Component C) — sell to DISCOM at ₹2–₹4/unit ### Payback Calculation (7.5 HP pump, Maharashtra): - Farmer pays: ₹60,000 - Annual diesel savings: ₹25,000–₹40,000 - **Payback period: 18–30 months** - **25-year benefit: ₹6–₹10 lakh in savings** --- ## How to Apply for PM-KUSUM Component B (Solar Pump) ### Step 1: Check State Implementation Agency Each state implements KUSUM through its own agency: | State | Implementing Agency | |-------|-------------------| | Maharashtra | MEDA (Maharashtra Energy Development Agency) | | Gujarat | GEDA (Gujarat Energy Development Agency) | | Rajasthan | RREC (Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation) | | UP | UPNEDA (UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency) | | Karnataka | KREDL (Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd) | | Tamil Nadu | TEDA (Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency) | Visit your state agency's website or nearest office to get started. ### Step 2: Register Online Most states now have online portals: 1. Register with Aadhaar and mobile number 2. Submit land details (khasra/khatauni number, area) 3. Submit water source details (borewell depth, open well details) 4. Upload required documents ### Step 3: Documents Required: - Aadhaar card (farmer) - Land ownership documents (7/12 extract or equivalent) - Bank passbook copy - Photograph of water source - Consent form if land is jointly owned ### Step 4: Technical Assessment State agency or their empanelled vendor will: - Visit your field - Assess water source and pump requirement - Recommend pump capacity (HP) - Issue approval letter ### Step 5: Vendor Selection and Installation - Agency empanelled vendors will be assigned or you choose from approved list - Installation takes 2–5 days typically - Pump comes with 5-year comprehensive warranty ### Step 6: Subsidy Disbursement - After installation and inspection, subsidy is transferred to vendor - Farmer pays only their 10% share (plus bank EMI if loan taken) --- ## Component A: Solar Plant on Agricultural Land — Income for Farmers If you have barren or fallow land not suitable for crops, Component A can generate regular income: ### How It Works: 1. Set up 500 kW to 2 MW solar plant on your land 2. Sign 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with DISCOM 3. Earn ₹3–₹4 per unit generated (fixed rate for 25 years) ### Land Requirement: - 4–5 acres per MW of solar capacity - Land must be within 5 km of existing 33 kV or 11 kV substation ### Income Estimate: - 500 kW plant on 2–3 acres - Annual generation: ~7,00,000 units - Income at ₹3.50/unit: ₹24,50,000/year - After loan repayment: ₹8,00,000–₹12,00,000 net per year This is transformational for many farmers who have infertile land lying idle. --- ## State-Wise Progress and Availability (2025) | State | Progress | Status | |-------|----------|--------| | Rajasthan | 1.5 lakh pumps installed | Active applications | | UP | 75,000 pumps | Active | | Maharashtra | 50,000 pumps | Active | | Gujarat | 40,000 pumps | Active | | Karnataka | 30,000 pumps | Active | --- ## Common Problems and How to Avoid Them 1. **Fake vendors claiming KUSUM affiliation** — only deal with state agency-empanelled vendors. Get vendor list from official agency website. 2. **Advance payment scams** — official KUSUM scheme involves farmer paying only after installation. Be suspicious of large advance demands. 3. **Wrong pump sizing** — insist on proper assessment before pump size is decided. --- [Find solar companies helping farmers with PM KUSUM applications in your state →](https://gosolarindex.in)