Good News for Farmers: 80% Subsidy on Solar Agricultural Pump Set under Kusum-B Scheme

Good News for Farmers : 80% Subsidy on Solar Agricultural Pump Set under Kusum-B Scheme

In a major step towards empowering farmers and promoting renewable energy, the Central and State Governments have jointly introduced the Kusum-B Scheme. Under this initiative, farmers can now install solar agricultural pump sets with a hefty subsidy of 80%, making irrigation cost-effective, eco-friendly, and self-reliant The announcement was made by Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the government’s vision of reducing farmers’ dependence on conventional electricity and ensuring 24×7 power availability for irrigation.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

Why This Scheme is Important

1. Reduced Dependence on Electricity
   Farmers often face irregular power supply, especially during peak irrigation seasons. With solar pump sets, they can generate their own electricity, ensuring uninterrupted water supply for crops.

2. Eco-Friendly Farming
   Solar pumps help cut down on carbon emissions and promote clean energy use in agriculture.

3. Regulating Unauthorized IP Sets
   Out of 4.5 lakh unauthorized irrigation pump (IP) sets, nearly 2 lakh have already been legalized through this project. This reduces system losses and brings farmers into the formal grid.

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4. Economic Benefits for Farmers
   Farmers can save heavily on electricity bills, reduce maintenance costs, and eliminate issues like load shedding.

Financial Outlay and Budget Allocation

• Grant for 2024-25: ₹12,785 crore (₹11,720 crore released till Feb 2025).

• Budget for 2025-26: ₹16,021 crore allocated for further expansion, including:

  • Distribution of new solar pump sets.

  • Installation of transformers in rural areas.

  • Setting up solar power equipment on agricultural lands.

How the Subsidy Works

Farmers only need to contribute 20% of the pump set cost, while the government bears the remaining 80%.

🔹 Example: If a pump set costs ₹1,00,000

• Central Government Subsidy: ₹30,000

• State Government Subsidy: ₹50,000

• Farmer’s Share: ₹20,000

This makes high-quality solar pump sets accessible even to small and marginal farmers.Application and Implementation Process

1. Where to Apply
   Farmers can apply through:

   • Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Corporation (KREDL)

   • Local Agriculture Department offices

2. Selection Process
   Eligible farmers are chosen after a technical inspection of their land and farming needs.

3. Installation
   Approved solar pump sets are installed through selected distribution companies.

4. Subsidy Release
   Full subsidy is released only after the solar pump achieves the expected power generation capacity.

5. Eligibility Documents Required

   • Permanent land records

   • Proof of following notified farming practices

   • Active bank account details

Government Push for Faster Implementation

Prime Minister modi has personally reviewed the scheme’s progress and instructed officials to speed up the process. Energy Minister K.J. George, Political Secretary Nasir Ahmed, and senior officials are actively monitoring implementation to ensure timely delivery of pump sets.

Benefits of the Kusum-B Scheme

• ✅ Huge savings in irrigation costs for farmers.

• ✅ 24×7 reliable power supply for agriculture.

• ✅ Immediate benefits for crops like coconut, coffee, groundnut, and betel leaves.

• ✅ Reduced burden on state electricity subsidies.

• ✅ Promotes clean, green, and sustainable farming practices.

• ✅ Boosts rural self-reliance and income security.

Conclusion

The Kusum-B Scheme is not just a subsidy program—it is a transformational step for Indian agriculture. By providing farmers with solar-powered irrigation solutions, the government is ensuring:

• Sustainable energy use,

• Reduced dependence on conventional electricity,

• Financial savings, and

• Environmental protection.

With proper execution, the scheme has the potential to revolutionize agriculture by making farmers self-reliant in energy, improving crop productivity, and driving eco-friendly rural development.