The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM Yojana 2026) is one of the largest renewable energy initiatives launched by the Government of India to support farmers through solar energy solutions. The scheme aims to increase farmers’ income while promoting clean energy across rural India.
Under this ambitious program, the government plans to install solar power capacity of 34,800 MW by March 2026, with total central financial assistance of ₹34,422 crore. The scheme allows farmers not only to irrigate their fields using solar power but also to earn additional income by selling excess electricity.
Objective of PM KUSUM Yojana
The main goal of PM KUSUM is to reduce farmers’ dependency on diesel and grid electricity while encouraging renewable energy adoption.
Key Objectives
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Provide affordable solar irrigation solutions
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Reduce electricity costs for farmers
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Increase farmer income through power generation
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Promote clean and green energy
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Ensure reliable daytime irrigation power
PM KUSUM Scheme Components
The scheme is divided into three major components.
| Component | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Component A | Solar power plants setup | 10,000 MW |
| Component B | Standalone solar pumps | 14 lakh pumps |
| Component C | Solarisation of existing pumps | 35 lakh pumps |
Component A – Solar Power Plants
Under this component, farmers or farmer groups can set up renewable energy-based power plants.
Key Features
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Capacity: 500 kW to 2 MW
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Eligible applicants:
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Individual farmers
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Cooperatives
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Panchayats
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Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
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Electricity purchased by DISCOMs
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Farmers earn income through power sale
Income Opportunity
Farmers can lease land to developers and earn rent even without investing capital.
Component B – Standalone Solar Agriculture Pumps
This component supports installation of solar pumps in off-grid areas.
Subsidy Structure
| Contribution | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Central Government | 30% subsidy |
| State Government | 30% subsidy |
| Farmer Contribution | 40% (loan available) |
Farmers may initially pay only 10%, with remaining amount financed through bank loans.
Special States Subsidy
| Region | Central Subsidy |
|---|---|
| North Eastern States | 50% |
| J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand | 50% |
| Lakshadweep & A&N Islands | 50% |
Component C – Solarisation of Existing Pumps
Farmers with grid-connected pumps can convert them into solar-powered systems.
Benefits
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Use solar power for irrigation
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Sell extra electricity to DISCOMs
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Reduce electricity bills
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Reliable daytime power supply
Solar capacity allowed: Up to 2 times pump capacity.
Feeder Level Solarisation (FLS)
Instead of individual pumps, entire agricultural feeders can be solarized.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Period | 25 years |
| Subsidy | 30% (up to ₹1.05 Cr/MW) |
| Special State Subsidy | 50% (up to ₹1.75 Cr/MW) |
| Benefit | Daytime electricity supply |
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers must meet the following conditions:
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Indian citizen
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Own agricultural land
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Valid bank account
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Aadhaar-linked details
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Eligible under state allocation
Documents Required
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Aadhaar Card
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Land ownership proof
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Bank account details
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Mobile number
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Identity proof
Step-by-Step Application Process
How to Apply for PM KUSUM Yojana
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Visit PM KUSUM central portal.
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Select scheme component.
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Register using personal details.
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Upload required documents.
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Submit application.
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Wait for verification.
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Receive approval and subsidy allocation.
Financial Assistance Process
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Proposal Submission | Implementing agency applies |
| Approval | MNRE sanctions project |
| Advance Release | 40% subsidy released |
| Completion | Project installation |
| Final Payment | Remaining subsidy released |
Projects must be completed within 24 months of approval.
Major Benefits of PM KUSUM Scheme
Economic Benefits
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Reduced electricity expenses
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Extra income from solar power
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Lower irrigation costs
Environmental Benefits
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Reduced carbon emissions
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Clean energy adoption
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Sustainable agriculture
Social Benefits
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Energy independence for farmers
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Stable irrigation supply
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Rural employment generation
Why PM KUSUM is Important for Farmers
Electricity shortages and rising diesel costs have long affected Indian agriculture. PM KUSUM addresses both problems by giving farmers access to renewable energy while creating new income streams.
Farmers no longer depend entirely on electricity supply schedules. Solar-powered irrigation ensures timely watering of crops, improving productivity and crop yield.
How Farmers Earn Extra Income
Farmers can generate surplus electricity and sell it to DISCOMs at feed-in tariffs decided by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
This transforms farmers into energy producers, creating a dual-income model:
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Farming income
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Solar electricity income
Important Instructions
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Apply early as allocation is state-wise.
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Ensure documents are accurate.
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Follow official portal only.
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Avoid unauthorized agents.
Scheme Validity
The PM KUSUM scheme is active until 31 March 2026.
Farmers are advised to apply before allocation quotas are filled.
Conclusion
The PM KUSUM Yojana 2026 is a transformational initiative combining agriculture and renewable energy. By offering heavy subsidies and income opportunities, the scheme empowers farmers financially while supporting India’s clean energy mission.
With rising electricity costs and climate challenges, solar-powered agriculture is becoming the future of farming in India. Farmers who adopt this scheme early can benefit from long-term savings and stable income generation.
Read more:- https://freshrise.in/pm-kisan-samman-nidhi-yojana-%e2%82%b96000-per-year-for-farmers/
link:- https://mnre.gov.in/en/pradhan-mantri-kisan-urja-suraksha-evam-utthaan-mahabhiyaan-pm-kusum/
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