No reports yet
SIGNUP

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)

At a glance

PM-KUSUM, run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), helps farmers switch from diesel and unreliable grid power to solar energy. It subsidizes standalone solar irrigation pumps, converts existing electric pumps to solar, and lets farmers earn by hosting small solar power plants on their land. The scheme targets 34,800 MW of solar capacity by 31 March 2026, with central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore.

Who is eligible

  • Component A: farmers, groups of farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and water user associations that can host a 500 kW to 2 MW solar plant on barren/fallow or (stilt-mounted) agricultural land.
  • Component B: individual farmers in off-grid areas who need a new standalone solar agriculture pump (subsidy support for pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity).
  • Component C: farmers with existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, individually or through feeder-level solarization done by the power distribution company.

Benefits

  • Components B and C (individual pumps):
    • 30% central subsidy on the benchmark or tender cost (whichever is lower)
    • At least 30% state subsidy
    • The farmer pays the remaining share (about 40% in general states); bank finance can cover a large part of it, so the upfront payment is much smaller — confirm loan terms with the implementing agency.
    • In the North Eastern states, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the central subsidy is 50%.
  • Component A: the farmer or group earns steady lease/sale income for about 25 years by selling power from the plant to the local distribution company at a state-fixed tariff.
  • Solar pumps eliminate diesel cost and give daytime, reliable irrigation power.

How to apply

  1. Apply only through your state's implementing agency (state renewable energy agency, agriculture department, or power distribution company). The national portal https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in lists each state's official agency and application links.
  2. Register when your state opens applications, pay the farmer share, and the agency arranges installation through empanelled vendors.
  3. Beware of fake websites and apps. MNRE has repeatedly warned about fraudulent "KUSUM registration" portals that collect fees. Never pay on an unofficial site; check any link against pmkusum.mnre.gov.in.

Documents required

Typical requirements (state lists vary):

  • Aadhaar card
  • Land records (khasra/khatauni or state equivalent)
  • Bank passbook
  • Passport-size photo
  • Existing electricity connection details (for Component C)
  • A declaration/authorization form as required by the state agency

Key dates & status

  • Launched: 2019.
  • Scheme period runs till 31 March 2026; targets 34,800 MW added solar capacity.
  • Application windows open state by state — confirm your state's current window on the official portal.

Common questions

Q: How much do I pay for a solar pump? A: In general states, about 40% of the cost after the 30% central and 30% state subsidies — and bank loans can cover much of your share. In NE/hill/island states the central subsidy rises to 50%, so you pay less.

Q: Can I get a subsidized pump bigger than 7.5 HP? A: You can install a larger pump, but central subsidy support is limited to 7.5 HP capacity — confirm your state's rules on the official portal.

Q: A website asked me to pay a registration fee for KUSUM. Is that genuine? A: Almost certainly not. Apply only through the state agencies listed on pmkusum.mnre.gov.in and report fake sites.

Q: I don't want a pump — can I still earn from KUSUM? A: Yes. Under Component A you can host a 500 kW–2 MW solar plant on your barren or fallow land (or lease the land to a developer) and earn from the power sold to the grid.

Sources: https://mnre.gov.in/en/pradhan-mantri-kisan-urja-suraksha-evam-utthaan-mahabhiyaan-pm-kusum/; https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in. Last verified: 2026-08-07. Always confirm current details on the official portal before acting.