PM-KUSUM Achieves 42 Percent Solar Pump Installation Target

India has made significant progress in integrating renewable energy into agriculture through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, achieving the installation of 5,40,499 solar pumps as of October 31, 2024. This achievement was shared by Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power, while replying to questions in the Lok Sabha.

This represents 42 percent of the target of 13,02,327 solar pumps under Component B of the scheme. Haryana leads in implementation, achieving 69 percent  of its target with 1,36,572 solar pumps installed out of 1,97,655 sanctioned, while Tamil Nadu follows with a 73 percent  achievement rate. Maharashtra, which has the highest sanctioned target of 5,05,000 pumps, has achieved 39 percent with 1,97,863 installations.

However, Slike Assam and Chhattisgarh have yet to report any installations. Kerala has achieved 100 percent of its modest target of eight pumps, while Rajasthan, with a larger agricultural base, has installed 85,635 pumps, meeting 40 percent of its target of 2,12,914.

The scheme’s total budget for solar pump installations under Component B is  INR 11,438 crore, of which INR 3,748.61 crore, or 33 percent, has been utilised. Maharashtra received the highest allocation of INR 1,329.22 crore, followed by Haryana with INR 883.52 crore and Rajasthan with INR 821.58 crore.

In contrast, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Goa did not receive funding due to negligible or no progress. Farmers benefit from a financial assistance structure that includes a 30 percent Central Financial Assistance (CFA) based on the benchmark cost or the lowest tender price, with the subsidy increased to 50 percent for farmers in northeastern states, hill states, and island territories. The remaining cost is shared between state governments and farmers, though in states without government funding, farmers must bear the balance cost.

The scheme prioritises small and marginal farmers, with pump sizes determined by factors such as landholding, water table, and irrigation needs. It also supports collective irrigation projects managed by Water User Associations, farmer cooperatives, and agricultural credit societies. Scheduled to conclude by March 31, 2026, the PM-KUSUM scheme remains demand-driven, with allocations based on state requests. The government is exploring ways to expand its scope to include more beneficiaries and increase installation capacity.

By reducing dependency on diesel and grid electricity, the scheme is making agriculture more sustainable and contributing to India’s renewable energy goals. With over 5.4 lakh solar pumps operational, PM-KUSUM is a cornerstone of India’s efforts to empower farmers, foster rural development, and advance its climate action targets.