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PM-KUSUM: Solar Energy for Farmers
July 19, 20267 min read
PM-KUSUM: Solar Energy for Farmers
Introduction
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), launched in March 2019, is a flagship scheme that promotes solar energy adoption in the agricultural sector. It targets energy security for farmers, reduction in power subsidies, and contribution to India's renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030. The scheme addresses the twin challenges of agricultural distress and climate change by enabling farmers to become energy producers.
Background
The Agrarian Energy Problem
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Electricity subsidy burden | ₹1.1 lakh crore annually in agricultural power subsidies |
| Inefficient pumps | 20-30 million electric pumps, many inefficient (30% efficiency) |
| Diesel dependency | ~10 million diesel pumps - ₹60,000 crore/year on diesel imports |
| Groundwater over-exploitation | Free power = excessive pumping in water-intensive crops |
| Grid instability | Peak agricultural load causes high distribution losses |
| Carbon emissions | Agriculture accounts for 18% of India's GHG emissions |
Why Solar for Agriculture?
- India's solar potential: 750 GW (peak)
- 300+ sunny days a year across most states
- Price of solar modules fallen 80%+ in last decade -...
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