In 2019, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) to promote the use of renewable energy in the agriculture sector. The scheme aimed to add 30,800 MW of green energy capacity by 2022.
However, the implementation got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, state implementing agencies sought an extension of timelines for the projects under the scheme.
“The pace of implementation of PM-KUSUM was significantly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also conducted a third-party evaluation of the scheme and based on the recommendations, the scheme has been extended till 31.3.2026,” said R K Singh, Minister for New and Renewable Energy said in a reply to the Lok Sabha.
The PM KUSUM scheme encourages the use of solar pumps and grid-connected solar plants, among other renewable energy projects, to de-dieselize agriculture and help farmers boost their incomes. A total central financial support of ₹34,422 crore will be provided for projects.
There are 3 components to the PM KUSUM Yojana:
- Component A: Installation of 10,000 MW of solar capacity through small power plants (up to 2 MW) on barren lands
- Component B: Installation of 17.50 Lakh Stand-alone Solar Agriculture Pumps
- Component C: Solarization of 15 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps
MNRE has stated that projects under the scheme are being monitored through weekly/fortnightly meetings with the state and monthly progress reports.
Additionally, the newly presented Budget 2023 has allocated a sum of ₹1,996 crores for the initiative.
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Resource: ET EnergyWorld
Well done thank you modiji