PM-KUSUM Scheme 2026: Solar Energy for Farmers, Components, Benefits & UPSC Notes

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is one of India's major schemes connecting agriculture with renewable energy. It aims to reduce farmers' dependence on diesel and conventional electricity for irrigation while creating opportunities for farmers to earn additional income from solar power.

For UPSC and BPSC aspirants, PM-KUSUM is important for Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Rural Development, Energy Security, Groundwater Management and Farmers' Income.

Important current-data note: The original PM-KUSUM programme was designed up to 31 March 2026, with a target of 34,800 MW of solar capacity and ₹34,422 crore of Central Financial Support. The official PM-KUSUM portal, however, continues to publish 2026 implementation updates and achievement data. Therefore, the latest portal figures should be cited separately from the original scheme targets.

🌞 What is PM-KUSUM?

PM-KUSUM stands for:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan

The scheme was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Its broad objectives are:

De-dieselisation of the farm sector
Promotion of solar energy in agriculture
Reduction of farmers' irrigation costs
Solarisation of agricultural pumps
Generation of renewable electricity
Additional income opportunities for farmers
Reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions

The official national portal describes PM-KUSUM as a scheme for de-dieselisation of the farm sector and enhancing farmers' income.

🎯 Main Objectives of PM-KUSUM

1. Promote Solar Energy in Agriculture

Agriculture requires substantial energy for irrigation. PM-KUSUM encourages farmers to use solar power instead of diesel or conventional electricity.

2. Reduce Diesel Consumption

Solar pumps can replace diesel-powered irrigation pumps, reducing farmers' dependence on fossil fuels.

3. Increase Farmers' Income

Under Component A and Component C, farmers can potentially sell surplus electricity to DISCOMs.

4. Reduce the Financial Burden on Farmers

Solar pumps can reduce recurring expenditure on diesel and electricity.

5. Promote Renewable Energy

The scheme contributes to India's broader renewable-energy and climate goals.

6. Improve Energy Security

Decentralised solar generation can strengthen rural energy security.

🏗️ Three Main Components of PM-KUSUM

This is the most important part for UPSC Prelims.

PM-KUSUM has three broad components:

Component A → Solar Power Plants

Component B → Stand-alone Solar Pumps

Component C → Solarisation of Grid-Connected Pumps and Feeders

Let's understand each one.

☀️ Component A: Decentralised Solar Power Plants

Under Component A, decentralised grid-connected renewable-energy power plants are established.

The scheme provides for:

10,000 MW

of decentralised ground/stilt-mounted grid-connected solar or other renewable-energy-based power plants under the original programme framework.

These projects can be developed by:

Individual farmers
Groups of farmers
Cooperatives
Panchayats
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
Water User Associations (WUAs)

Projects generally range from:

500 kW to 2 MW

according to MNRE guidelines.

💰 How Does Component A Help Farmers?

Farmers can use suitable barren or fallow land for solar power generation.

The electricity generated can be sold to the local DISCOM at a tariff determined by the relevant State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Thus:

Unused/Fallow Land

↓

Solar Power Plant

↓

Electricity Generation

↓

Sale to DISCOM

↓

Additional Farmer Income

The scheme also permits solar plants on cultivable land where plants are installed on stilts so that cultivation can continue underneath.

🚜 Component B: Stand-Alone Solar Agriculture Pumps

Component B focuses on installing stand-alone solar agriculture pumps in areas where grid electricity is unavailable.

Individual farmers can receive support for solar agricultural pumps of capacity up to:

7.5 HP

under the scheme framework.

💰 Subsidy Structure Under Component B

For most states:

Central Financial Assistance (CFA): 30%
State Government subsidy: at least 30%
Farmer contribution: up to 40%

Bank finance may also be used, reducing the farmer's initial payment requirement.

Special-category States/UTs

For:

North-Eastern States
Sikkim
Jammu & Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Lakshadweep
Andaman & Nicobar Islands

the Central Financial Assistance can be:

50%

of the applicable benchmark/tender cost, subject to scheme provisions.

⚡ Component C: Solarisation of Grid-Connected Pumps

Component C focuses on existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.

It has two important parts:

Component C (IPS)

Individual Pump Solarisation

Component C (FLS)

Feeder Level Solarisation

🔋 Component C — Individual Pump Solarisation

Farmers with grid-connected agricultural pumps can solarise their pumps.

The scheme permits solar PV capacity up to two times the pump capacity in kW under the individual pump solarisation component.

The farmer can:

Use solar power for irrigation

and

Sell surplus electricity to the DISCOM

subject to applicable state arrangements.

This creates a potentially important additional-income model.

🔌 Component C — Feeder Level Solarisation

Under Feeder Level Solarisation (FLS), agricultural feeders can be solarised.

This can help:

Provide reliable power for agriculture
Reduce dependence on conventional electricity
Reduce DISCOM subsidy burden
Increase renewable-energy use
Improve rural energy management

For UPSC, remember:

IPS = Individual Pump Solarisation

FLS = Feeder Level Solarisation

📊 PM-KUSUM Latest Data: 2026

The official PM-KUSUM National Portal provides an achievement dashboard.

According to the portal's 30 June 2026 data:

Component	Sanctioned	Installed/Solarised
Component A	10,000 MW	1,726.92 MW installed
Component B	13,07,190 pumps	11,49,988 installed
Component C – IPS	55,392 pumps	15,822 solarised
Component C – FLS	35,36,602	16,17,058 solarised

These figures are from the official PM-KUSUM National Portal's 30 June 2026 dashboard and should be treated as implementation figures that can change with subsequent updates.

⭐ Current-affairs point

For your blog, write:

“According to the PM-KUSUM National Portal, as of 30 June 2026…”

This is better than presenting the figures as permanent numbers.

🎯 Original PM-KUSUM Targets

Under the original scheme framework, PM-KUSUM aimed to add:

34,800 MW of solar capacity

by March 2026.

The original component targets were:

Component	Original Target
Component A	10,000 MW
Component B	14 lakh stand-alone solar pumps
Component C	35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps, including feeder solarisation
Central Financial Support	₹34,422 crore

The original scheme period was up to 31 March 2026.

⚠️ UPSC caution

Do not confuse:

Original target

with

Actual achievement/sanctioned figures.

This distinction is important when using government-scheme data in an examination answer.

💡 Why Is PM-KUSUM Important for Farmers?

1. Lower Irrigation Costs

Solar energy can reduce dependence on diesel and conventional electricity.

2. Additional Income

Farmers may sell surplus solar electricity to DISCOMs under applicable arrangements.

3. Reduced Diesel Dependence

Solar pumps can replace diesel pumps.

4. Renewable Energy

The scheme promotes decentralised renewable-energy generation.

5. Rural Employment

Installation, maintenance and operation of solar systems create economic opportunities.

🌱 PM-KUSUM and Groundwater

This is an important UPSC Mains angle.

Solar pumps can make irrigation energy cheaper.

However, there is a potential challenge:

Cheaper irrigation → Greater pumping → Possible groundwater depletion

Therefore, PM-KUSUM should be combined with:

Micro-irrigation
Water-efficient crops
Groundwater regulation
Water budgeting
Crop diversification
Smart metering where appropriate

Mains value addition:

“Energy transition in agriculture must be accompanied by a water transition.”

This is a strong line for a GS-III answer.

🌍 PM-KUSUM and Climate Change

Agriculture is vulnerable to climate change, while energy use in agriculture can contribute to emissions.

PM-KUSUM can support climate mitigation by:

Replacing diesel pumps
Promoting solar electricity
Reducing fossil-fuel dependence
Encouraging decentralised renewable energy

Thus:

PM-KUSUM = Agriculture + Renewable Energy + Climate Action

⚡ PM-KUSUM and India's Energy Security

India's agricultural sector requires reliable energy for irrigation.

Solarisation can help diversify the energy source used by agriculture.

Instead of:

Diesel → Irrigation

Grid Electricity → Pump

PM-KUSUM encourages:

Solar → Pump → Irrigation

This supports India's transition towards cleaner energy.

🏡 PM-KUSUM and Rural Development

The scheme can generate rural economic opportunities through:

Solar equipment installation
Maintenance services
Local entrepreneurship
Solar power generation
Land leasing
Agricultural energy services

Therefore, PM-KUSUM is not only an energy scheme.

It is also connected with:

Agriculture + Rural Economy + Entrepreneurship + Climate Action

⚠️ Challenges of PM-KUSUM

Despite its potential, several challenges remain.

1. High Initial Cost

Solar pumping systems require significant upfront investment.

2. State-Level Implementation

Implementation depends significantly on State Governments and designated implementing agencies.

3. DISCOM Financial Health

Component A and C depend on effective electricity procurement and payment mechanisms.

4. Groundwater Depletion

Cheap solar pumping could encourage excessive groundwater extraction in water-stressed regions.

5. Land and Grid Connectivity

Component A projects require appropriate land and access to grid infrastructure.

6. Maintenance

Solar pumps require proper servicing, technical support and replacement of components when necessary.

7. Awareness

Farmers need information about:

Eligibility
Subsidies
Approved vendors
Application procedures
Maintenance

🔮 Way Forward

1. Link Solarisation with Water Conservation

Solar pumps should be promoted alongside:

Drip irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation
Water budgeting
Crop diversification

2. Promote Feeder Solarisation

FLS can provide a more systematic approach than individual pump solarisation in suitable areas.

3. Strengthen DISCOMs

Timely payments for surplus electricity are essential for farmer confidence.

4. Encourage Domestic Manufacturing

Solar equipment and components should meet applicable domestic-content and quality requirements.

5. Improve After-Sales Service

Farmers need reliable local maintenance networks.

6. Use Digital Monitoring

GIS, remote sensing and digital dashboards can improve monitoring of installations and performance.

🔄 PM-KUSUM vs PM-KISAN

A common UPSC confusion:

PM-KUSUM	PM-KISAN
Renewable-energy scheme	Farmer income-support scheme
Solar pumps & solar power	Direct income support
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy	Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Focus on energy security	Focus on farmer income
Solarisation of agriculture	Financial assistance

Easy Trick:

PM-KUSUM → Kisan + Urja

PM-KISAN → Kisan + Income

🔄 PM-KUSUM vs PMKSY

Another important distinction:

PM-KUSUM

Solar energy for agriculture

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Irrigation and water management

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

Food processing

Therefore:

KUSUM = Solar Energy
Krishi Sinchayee = Irrigation
Kisan SAMPADA = Food Processing

🎯 ★ Why Is PM-KUSUM Important for UPSC & BPSC?

★ UPSC Prelims

Remember:

Full form: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
Ministry: MNRE
Launched: 2019
Component A → Decentralised grid-connected renewable-energy plants
Component B → Stand-alone solar agricultural pumps
Component C → Solarisation of grid-connected pumps/feeders
Component A plants → 500 kW to 2 MW
Component B pumps → up to 7.5 HP
Solar power can be sold to DISCOMs under applicable arrangements
Original scheme target → 34,800 MW
Original Central Financial Support → ₹34,422 crore

★ UPSC GS Paper III

Use PM-KUSUM in answers related to:

Renewable energy
Agriculture
Climate change
Energy security
Groundwater management
Farmers' income
Rural development
Sustainable agriculture

★ BPSC

For Bihar-specific answers, connect PM-KUSUM with:

Irrigation dependence
Solar energy potential
Agricultural electricity
Groundwater management
Renewable energy
Rural entrepreneurship
Climate-resilient agriculture

📝 UPSC Prelims MCQs

Question 1

With reference to PM-KUSUM, consider the following statements:

Component A relates to decentralised grid-connected renewable-energy power plants.
Component B relates to stand-alone solar agricultural pumps.
Component C includes solarisation of grid-connected agricultural pumps.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: A

Explanation: PM-KUSUM is implemented under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Question 2

Under PM-KUSUM, Component A primarily deals with:

A. Crop insurance
B. Solar agricultural pumps
C. Decentralised grid-connected renewable-energy plants
D. Food processing

✅ Answer: C

Question 3

Consider the following pairs:

Component	Feature
A	Decentralised renewable-energy plants
B	Stand-alone solar pumps
C	Solarisation of agricultural pumps/feeders

Which of the pairs are correctly matched?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: D

✍️ UPSC Mains Question

“PM-KUSUM can transform India's agricultural energy system, but its success depends on balancing renewable-energy expansion with groundwater sustainability. Discuss.”

Answer Framework

Introduction:
Agricultural irrigation depends heavily on electricity and diesel. PM-KUSUM seeks to promote solar energy while reducing the dependence of agriculture on conventional energy sources.

Benefits

De-dieselisation
Renewable-energy generation
Lower irrigation costs
Additional farmer income
Reduced emissions
Rural employment
Energy security

Concerns

Groundwater over-extraction
High initial investment
DISCOM financial constraints
Maintenance
Implementation delays

Way Forward

Solarisation + micro-irrigation
Groundwater regulation
Crop diversification
Feeder-level solarisation
Better DISCOM payment mechanisms
Digital monitoring

Conclusion:
PM-KUSUM should be viewed not merely as a solar-pump programme but as an opportunity to build a sustainable agriculture-energy-water nexus.

📌 PM-KUSUM in 30 Seconds

Remember this:

PM-KUSUM

↓

2019

↓

MNRE

↓

Component A → Solar Power Plants

↓

Component B → Stand-alone Solar Pumps

↓

Component C → Pump + Feeder Solarisation

↓

Less Diesel

↓

Cleaner Energy

↓

Lower Irrigation Costs

↓

Potential Additional Farmer Income

Conclusion

PM-KUSUM is an important scheme at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy.

By promoting solar power plants, stand-alone solar pumps and solarisation of existing agricultural pumps and feeders, the scheme seeks to de-dieselise agriculture, improve farmers' energy security and create additional income opportunities.

However, its long-term success depends on addressing the agriculture-energy-water nexus. Solarisation should be accompanied by efficient irrigation, groundwater conservation and appropriate cropping patterns.

PM-KUSUM Scheme 2026: Solar Pumps, Components, Benefits & UPSC Notes