How PM-KUSUM Can Accelerate Solar Power Uptake in Indian Agriculture
The PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme, launched in 2019, has been a flagship initiative aimed at transforming India’s agricultural energy landscape. Scheduled to conclude in March 2026, the scheme seeks to add 34,800 MW of solar capacity across the country, supported by a central financial outlay of ₹34,422 crore. While the scheme promises significant benefits for farmers and the environment, progress to date has been a mixed bag.
According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the scheme has achieved only about 30 per cent of its overall targets since inception. Data submitted to the Lok Sabha in August 2025 highlights some of the scheme’s successes: as of 30 June, solar pump installations under PM-KUSUM have saved an estimated 580 million litres of diesel annually and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately six million tonnes.
Scheme Components and Progress
PM-KUSUM is structured around three primary components. Component A focuses on decentralised solar power plants up to 2 MW on farmers’ land. Component B promotes standalone solar pumps , and Component C targets the solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps.
Component B has achieved the highest adoption rate, reaching 71 per cent of its target. Standalone solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP have proven particularly effective due to their simpler deployment, fewer regulatory hurdles, and substantial subsidies. Central financial assistance covers 30 per cent of the benchmark cost (50 per cent in special category states), leaving farmers to contribute the remaining amount. Vivek Gupta, director of Oswal Pumps, notes that “the technology is proven, and replacing diesel pumps with solar variants is straightforward.” Farmers in states such as Haryana have reported annual savings of up to ₹55,000 after switching to solar-powered pumps. Additionally, these pumps allow daytime irrigation, reducing dependency on nighttime grid power.
According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the scheme has achieved only about 30 per cent of its overall targets since inception. Data submitted to the Lok Sabha in August 2025 highlights some of the scheme’s successes: as of 30 June, solar pump installations under PM-KUSUM have saved an estimated 580 million litres of diesel annually and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately six million tonnes.
Scheme Components and Progress
PM-KUSUM is structured around three primary components. Component A focuses on decentralised solar power plants up to 2 MW on farmers’ land. Component B promotes standalone solar pumps , and Component C targets the solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps.
Component B has achieved the highest adoption rate, reaching 71 per cent of its target. Standalone solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP have proven particularly effective due to their simpler deployment, fewer regulatory hurdles, and substantial subsidies. Central financial assistance covers 30 per cent of the benchmark cost (50 per cent in special category states), leaving farmers to contribute the remaining amount. Vivek Gupta, director of Oswal Pumps, notes that “the technology is proven, and replacing diesel pumps with solar variants is straightforward.” Farmers in states such as Haryana have reported annual savings of up to ₹55,000 after switching to solar-powered pumps. Additionally, these pumps allow daytime irrigation, reducing dependency on nighttime grid power.
Next Story