The Kusum Solar Yojana is an ambitious scheme launched by the Government of India to promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. The scheme aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers to install solar pumps, solar-powered grid-connected pumps, and solar-based microgrid projects. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of the Kusum Solar Yojana, its benefits, and its impact on the agricultural sector.
What is the Kusum Solar Yojana?
The Kusum Solar Yojana is a scheme launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2018. The scheme aims to promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector by providing financial and technical assistance to farmers for installing solar pumps, solar-powered grid-connected pumps, and solar-based microgrid projects. The scheme is being implemented by the state nodal agencies and the Agricultural Departments of the respective states.
Objectives of the Kusum Solar Yojana
- To promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector
- To provide financial and technical assistance to farmers for installing solar pumps, solar-powered grid-connected pumps, and solar-based micro-grid projects
- To reduce the dependency of farmers on diesel-based pumps
- To enhance the income of farmers by providing an opportunity to sell excess power generated from solar pumps to the grid
- To reduce carbon emissions by replacing diesel-based pumps with solar pumps
Features of the Kusum Solar Yojana
- The scheme is applicable to all farmers, including individual farmers, group of farmers, and cooperatives.
- The scheme provides 60% subsidy to farmers for the installation of solar pumps, 30% subsidy for solar-powered grid-connected pumps, and 50% subsidy for solar-based micro-grid projects.
- The remaining cost of the project can be financed through a loan from the bank or financial institution.
- The scheme allows farmers to sell excess power generated from solar pumps to the grid at a rate fixed by the state government.
- The scheme also provides for the maintenance and repair of solar pumps for a period of 5 years.
Benefits of the Kusum Solar Yojana
The Kusum Solar Yojana has several benefits for farmers as well as the environment. Some of the benefits are:
- Reduction in the cost of irrigation: Solar pumps can help farmers save money on the cost of irrigation, as they do not require diesel or electricity to operate.
- Increased income: Farmers can sell excess power generated from solar pumps to the grid, which can provide them with an additional source of income.
- Reduced carbon emissions: The use of solar pumps can help reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner environment.
- Promotion of renewable energy: The scheme promotes the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector and reduces the dependency on fossil fuels.
- Employment generation: The installation and maintenance of solar pumps can create job opportunities for local people.
Impact of the Kusum Solar Yojana
The Kusum Solar Yojana has had a significant impact on the agricultural sector in India. As of March 2021, more than 3.5 lakh solar pumps have been installed under the scheme, which has resulted in a saving of around 1.9 billion liters of diesel and a reduction of around 5.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
- The scheme has also helped in providing irrigation to areas where grid connectivity is poor, which has resulted in increased agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
- Although the Kusum Solar Yojana has been successful in promoting the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector, it also faces some challenges.
- The installation of solar pumps requires a significant upfront cost, which may not be affordable for small and marginal farmers.
- The lack of awareness and technical knowledge among farmers about the use and maintenance of solar pumps is also a challenge
- .To overcome these challenges, the government has taken various measures such as providing financial assistance, conducting training and awareness programs for farmers, and promoting the use of solar pumps through various media channels.
- The government has also launched a mobile application called “Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)” to provide easy access to information about the scheme and to facilitate the registration of beneficiaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kusum Solar Yojana is a commendable initiative by the Indian government to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector. The scheme has the potential to provide sustainable and affordable irrigation to farmers, reduce carbon emissions, and create job opportunities. However, the government needs to address the challenges faced by the scheme and take the necessary steps to ensure its successful implementation.