KUSUM Yojana is a central government scheme launched to provide financial and water security to farmers by solarizing agriculture pumps and promoting solar farming. The scheme aims to add solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022 by supporting farmers. It has an outlay of over Rs. 50,000 crores.
Objectives of KUSUM Scheme
The main objectives of the KUSUM scheme are:
- Solarize 10 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps to provide daytime power
- Install 17.5 lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps to replace diesel pumps
- Solarize feeders and incentivize DISCOMs to facilitate solar farming
The scheme aims to provide water and financial security to farmers by promoting solar farming and pumped irrigation. It also aims to reduce dependence on grid supply and diesel pumps through solarization.
Components of KUSUM Scheme
The KUSUM scheme has 3 components focusing on different areas:
- Component A: Solarization of 10 Lakh Grid-Connected Agriculture Pumps
- Component B: Installation of 17.5 Lakh Standalone Solar Agriculture Pumps
- Component C: Solarization of Feeders and Incentivizing DISCOMs
Under Component B, farmers can install pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP. Subsidy support of 30% for general category farmers and 50% for small & marginal farmers is provided.
Benefits of KUSUM Yojana
Key benefits of the KUSUM scheme are:
| Financial Security | Water Security |
|---|---|
| - Additional income through solar farming | - Reduced dependence on monsoon |
| - Savings on electricity bills | - Promotes sustainable irrigation |
The scheme also promotes self-reliance through solar energy adoption, energy security by reducing reliance on imports and sustainability by lowering carbon footprint.
Eligibility for KUSUM Yojana
The following farmers are eligible under the scheme:
- Farmers with grid-connected pump sets
- Farmers who want to install standalone solar pumps
- DISCOMs willing to solarize their feeders
Application Process
Farmers can apply to avail benefits under KUSUM scheme through online or offline modes. The documents required are:
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership papers
- Electricity bill for grid-connected pump
- Bank account details
Based on eligibility, subsidy benefits to install solar equipment will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Conclusion
KUSUM scheme aims to provide income stability and self-reliance to farmers through solar energy adoption. By reducing dependence on grid supply and diesel pumps, it also promotes renewable energy usage for sustainable development.
FAQs
Q1: What is the total outlay allocated to the KUSUM scheme?
A1: The total outlay allocated for the KUSUM scheme is Rs. 50,000 crores.
Q2: What pumps are covered under Component B?
A2: Under Component B, off-grid standalone solar pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity can be installed.
Q3: What are the KUSUM subsidy rates?
A3: Subsidy of 30% of the cost is provided to general category farmers and 50% subsidy to SC/ST/small & marginal farmers.
Q4: Who implements the KUSUM scheme?
A4: The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
Q5: Can individuals avail benefits under the scheme?
A5: Yes, individual farmers are eligible for benefits under the KUSUM scheme.
Q6: Is income tax exemption allowed?
A6: Yes, subsidy support amount received under the scheme is exempted from income tax.
