PM-KUSUM Scheme Analyzed for Agricultural Transformation

The PM-KUSUM scheme is designed to help farmers use solar energy. It works by responding to the specific needs of each state. Farmers can participate in three main ways, all focused on increasing their income and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. The success of the scheme relies on states accurately reporting demand and progress.

Key Points

• Farmers benefit from solar energy, becoming ‘Urjadata’ and ‘Annadata’.
• Land leasing yields up to ₹80,000 per hectare annually.
• Solar plants generate ₹4.5 lakh per month on average.
• Diesel pumps replaced by solar pumps; savings are guaranteed.
• Breakeven achieved in less than a year for savings.
• Farmers earn ₹25,000 per acre annually through solar projects.

Component A: Solar Power Plants

Component A encourages farmers to build their own solar power plants on their land. Farmers become “Urjadata” (energy provider) and “Annadata” (data provider) as part of the initiative. They lease their land to companies that install solar panels, effectively becoming part of a new energy market.

The potential income for farmers through this component is significant. The average monthly income for solar plants commissioned under Component A is approximately ₹4.5 lakh per megawatt. This highlights the economic viability of the scheme.

Component B: Solar Pumps

Component B focuses on replacing old diesel pumps with new solar-powered pumps. This offers a direct and measurable benefit to farmers. The plan assumes a typical daily water consumption of 4.6 litres for a 5 HP pump.

Based on a current diesel price of roughly ₹87 per litre, a farmer can break even within less than a year. This means they’ll start seeing savings in their fuel costs, eliminating a major expense.

The savings for farmers are substantial – at least ₹60,000 per year. This greatly reduces their reliance on expensive and fluctuating diesel prices.

Component C: Solar Land Leasing

Component C provides another avenue for farmers to participate. Farmers can lease their land to companies wanting to build solar power projects.

The income generated through land leasing is around ₹25,000 per acre per year. This presents a simpler option for farmers to benefit from the scheme’s growth.

“The PM-KUSUM scheme offers a scalable solution for farmers seeking sustainable income streams through solar energy adoption.”