In portions of rural India, problems such as a shortage of water, power, clean water, and water resource difficulties persist. To solve these issues, the nation has now turned towards renewable energy, especially solar power.
When we consider solar energy in the context of agriculture, one of the most important ideas that have emerged is solar water pumping. The same technology that once relied on electricity and diesel to pump water from the earth can now rely on the sun’s abundant energy.
Indian government has introduced a scheme to promote the adoption of such clean energy powered water pumps.
Here’s everything you need to know about solar water pumping and the PM Kusum Scheme.
What are Solar Water Pumps?
Solar water pumps are environmentally-friendly devices that harness the power of the sun to pump water. These pumps have become increasingly popular in regions where access to electricity supply is limited or unreliable.
By utilizing solar energy, they provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for agricultural needs.
The main advantage of solar water pumps is their ability to operate without diesel fuel. They consist of solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity to power the pump. This saves on energy expenses and minimizes carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar water pumps can be installed in remote areas, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields, livestock to access clean water, and communities to access safe drinking water.
Additionally, solar water pumps offer scalability and versatility. They come in various sizes and capacities to suit different water requirements. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan, making them a reliable and durable solution for water pumping.
Types of Solar Water Pumps
Solar Submersible Pump
When water needs to be lifted from deep underground, solar submersible pumps are used. This pump lifts water from depths of over 15 meters. Due to the high-water depth in most locations of India, solar submersible water pumps are the most preferred pumps.
Solar Surface Pump
Surface pumps are water pumps that are tiny in size but have a lot of power. They’re utilized to raise water that’s only a few inches deep. A solar surface pump is recommended if the depth of water is 15 meters or less. It can elevate water to or above ground level with ease. Streams, storage tanks, shallow wells, and ponds are all sites where this sort of pump can be found.
What is PM KUSUM Yojana?
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) was introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2019. The scheme aims to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.
In India, the PM-KUSUM scheme assists farmers in installing solar pumps and solar power plants. The 3 components of the scheme are as follows:
Component-A: Set up 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land. Power plants of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity will be installed by farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, and other organizations.
Component-B: Install 17.50 lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps. Farmers in off-grid areas without access to the grid will receive support to replace existing diesel pumps with solar pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity.
Component-C: Solarize 10 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps. Farmers with grid-connected pumps will receive support to convert their pumps to solar power. Solar energy generated will be used for irrigation, and excess power will be sold to DISCOMs at a pre-fixed tariff.
In 2023, the MNRE announced that the PM Kusum Yojana would be extended until March 31, 2026, due to delays in implementation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The central government has allocated a budget of ₹500 crore for the scheme, and as of 2023, over 2.45 lakh farmers have benefited from it.
Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Kerala, have also set their own targets for increasing solar energy in agriculture. For instance, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to install 30,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps in the state under the scheme.
Financial Assistance for Installing Solar Pumps and How to Apply
- Farmers will only be responsible for 10% of the total cost under the KUSUM Yojana.
- A 30% subsidy will be provided by the Central government and another 30% by the state government.
- Moreover, the state government will provide the remaining 30% as a loan to the farmers.
Each state has its own agency and application process for the PM Kusum Yojana. For example, farmers in Uttar Pradesh need to register online and submit the required documents to avail the benefits.
To check the state wise registration process, farmers can visit the official website https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in/ .
Revolutionizing Agriculture Eco-system in India
Here is how solar water pumping is revolutionizing the agriculture eco-system in India:
- Decreases impact on the environment.
- Expands the horizon of farming by increasing income sources.
- Boost India’s mission of 500GW – of renewable energy by 2030 mission.
- Reducing the usage of subsidized electricity in the entire agricultural sector.
- Utilizing Solar Power in water irrigation, making the process sustainable and long-term profitable.
Conclusion:
The PM Kusum Scheme is advantageous to farmers since it provides them with major benefits. Selling the excess electricity generated by the solar networks on their land will offer a steady cash flow, and they will be able to put their barren land to good use. It will also allow them to eliminate diesel pumps, which lead to higher expenses and pollution.
About Ornate Solar
If you are looking to install solar at your home, Ojas is the fastest and most reliable option. With just 4 hours of your time, 3 tools, and 2 people installation team, we will give you a solution that will generate free electricity for more than 25 years!
Ornate Solar is India’s leading solar company with 10 years of experience. By partnering with the best-in-class global solar brands, we bring the most reputed solar panels, inverters, and solar accessories to you and make your shift to solar cost-effective and easy.
We have also developed India’s first Integrated InRoof system- which turns solar panels into the roof and eliminates the need for sheet roofing.
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