PM-KUSUM helps farmers replace diesel pumps and unreliable grid power with solar energy — at 60% subsidy. Farmers can install standalone solar pumps, solarise existing grid-connected pumps, or even earn money by setting up small solar plants on barren land and selling power to the DISCOM.
The three components
| Component | What it offers |
| A — Solar plants on land | Farmers/groups set up 0.5–2 MW plants on barren/fallow land and sell power to the DISCOM |
| B — Standalone solar pumps | Up to 7.5 HP off-grid solar pumps replacing diesel pumps |
| C — Solarisation | Existing grid-connected pumps get solar panels; surplus power is sold back |
Subsidy structure (Components B & C)
- 30% central subsidy + 30% state subsidy — farmer pays roughly 40%
- Bank finance available for most of the farmer share, so upfront cash can be ~10%
- Higher central support (up to 50%) applies in North-Eastern states, hill states and island territories
Who should apply
- Farmers running diesel pumps — solar pays back fastest by killing fuel costs
- Farmers in areas with poor daytime power supply
- Landowners with barren land near a substation (Component A income opportunity)
- FPOs, cooperatives and panchayats can apply for group installations
How to apply
- Applications run through your state nodal agency (energy department/DISCOM/agriculture department portals) — each state opens application windows
- Register with land records, Aadhaar, bank details and existing pump/connection details
- After sanction, an empanelled vendor installs the system
- Pay only your farmer share; subsidy flows directly to the vendor/agency
Beware of fake KUSUM websites — apply only via official state portals listed here.
Frequently asked questions
Which pump size do I need?
Depends on your water depth and acreage — 3 HP suits shallow water tables and small plots; 5–7.5 HP for deeper borewells and larger areas. The state agency validates sizing.
Are there fake KUSUM portals?
Yes — several fraud sites collect “registration fees”. The scheme charges no online registration fee; verify every link on pmkusum.mnre.gov.in.
What maintenance do solar pumps need?
Mainly panel cleaning and basic care; vendors provide 5-year comprehensive maintenance under the scheme norms.
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Disclaimer: PMYojnaUpdates.com is an independent information portal, not affiliated with any government department. Always verify details on the official site pmkusum.mnre.gov.in before applying.