Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana during a high-level meeting in Lucknow. The Chief Minister emphasized that both schemes are significantly beneficial for farmers and lower- and middle-income households.
During the meeting, the state reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the target of 22 GW solar energy capacities. Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions empowering farmers to become energy self-reliant and promoting low-cost agriculture. He informed that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, farmers are no longer dependent on traditional electricity sources and are now using affordable and clean solar energy. The central government is providing up to 90% subsidy under the scheme, making solar power systems highly affordable for farmers.
The Union Minister visited Duggaur village in Bakshi Ka Talab tehsil, Lucknow, to inspect an 11.2 kW on-grid solar power plant installed under the PM-KUSUM scheme. Local farmer Mohammad Ahsan Ali Khan set up the plant to power his 7.5 HP irrigation pump. The total project cost was ₹6,23,909, out of which ₹1,87,173 was funded by the central government and ₹3,74,345 by the state government. The farmer contributed only ₹62,391.
So far, the plant has generated 8,945 kWh of electricity, with 7,100 kWh exported to the grid and 1,845 kWh used for irrigation. The initiative has not only made the farmer energy self-sufficient but also provided him with additional income. The project is now serving as an inspiration for other farmers in the region.
State Allotted 3.7 Lakh Solar Pumps: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Shri A.K. Sharma expressed gratitude to the central government and Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi for allocating 3.7 lakh solar pumps to the state under Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme. This will further strengthen the rural energy infrastructure and benefit thousands of farmers.
Transparent Wheat Procurement through e-POP Technology: The Union Minister also visited the wheat procurement center at Mohanlalganj Mandi in Lucknow. There, he observed the process of wheat procurement, cleaning, and weighing using Electronic Point of Procurement (e-POP) machines. During his interaction with farmers, he learned how the e-POP technology—implemented by the central and state governments—has made the procurement process more transparent, swift, and efficient.
