Haryana Launches PM-KUSUM Scheme to Promote Solar Irrigation Pumps

Haryana's New and Renewable Energy Department has recently unveiled the state portal for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM-KUSUM) scheme. This initiative aims to subsidize farmers for installing solar irrigation pumps, providing a substantial boost to agricultural practices.

PM-KUSUM

The PM-KUSUM scheme, launched in 2019, comprises three key components. Component A focuses on establishing decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land. Component B supports the installation of standalone solar agriculture pumps, while Component C aims at solarizing grid-connected agriculture pumps.

Benefits of the KUSUM Scheme

• The government plans to generate 28,250 MW of power through solar plants.

• Farmers receive a 60% subsidy and a 30% loan, with only a 10% contribution towards installation costs.

• State-of-the-art solar pumps, enhancing irrigation with a capacity of 720 MV, are subsidized.

• Farmers can sell excess power generated directly to the government, increasing income.

• Rural landholders can generate stable income from uncultivated land for 25 years.

• Solar plants, positioned above a minimum height in cultivable lands, allow continued cultivation.

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Recent Developments in Haryana

The Haryana government, in a public notice, announced the opening of the PM-KUSUM state portal for solar pump applicants from November 22 to November 30. Beneficiaries can use the portal to submit their share of investment and select vendors. The share of investment varies based on pump categories, starting from Rs 53,926.

As outlined by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the government has approved six categories of solar pumps, including DC surface (monoblock) pumps with normal controllers, and 7.5 HP DC submersible pumps with normal controllers, among others. The public notice specifies the varying contributions beneficiaries need to make based on their pump categories.

The lowest contribution for a beneficiary is Rs 53,926 for the 3HP surface monoblock pump with a normal controller, while the highest cost is for the 10 HP AC submersible pump with a universal solar pump controller, requiring a beneficiary contribution of approximately Rs 2.06 lakh.

Additionally, the government received 48,386 applications through the SARAL portal, implementing norms that families covered under the solar pump scheme are ineligible for another system, regardless of capacity or location.

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Conclusion

The Haryana government has launched a new scheme called PM-KUSUM to promote sustainable agriculture in the state. The scheme offers subsidies, loans, and technology integration to help farmers adopt solar irrigation pumps. The government has also launched a new state portal where farmers can apply for the scheme. The scheme is expected to help Haryana reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy.

Also Read:- Challenges of Using Solar Power on Farms: Easy Steps to Successfully Harness Solar Power