The leadership of the Madhya Pradesh Government, a series of farmer-centric innovations are now delivering visible results across the state. Along with ensuring easy access to quality seeds and fertilisers, the government is strengthening irrigation infrastructure, leading to steady growth in agricultural production. As a major step in this direction, the state has launched an ambitious plan to install solar pumps on the farms of 52,000 farmers.
With the installation of solar pumps, farmers will no longer remain just food producers but will also emerge as energy providers. The initiative offers a permanent solution to irrigation challenges while significantly reducing dependence on conventional electricity and lowering farming costs.
This innovative programme, Letters of Award have already been issued to 34,600 units, and work orders have been released for installing solar pumps on the farms of 33,000 farmers. Once the solar pumps are operational, farmers will be freed from electricity bills, resulting in reduced input costs and higher savings.
Addition, farmers will be able to earn extra income by selling surplus solar energy to the government. The Department of New and Renewable Energy is continuously supporting farmers through various incentive-based schemes to promote the adoption of solar energy projects.
To ensure energy security for farmers, the PM-KUSUM (Component B) scheme is being implemented in the state under the name “Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana.” The scheme focuses on installing off-grid solar pumps on agricultural fields, reducing dependence on grid electricity.
The scheme, solar pumps ranging from 1 HP to 7.5 HP are eligible for subsidies of up to 90 percent, with the same benefit structure applicable to all categories of farmers:
The responsibility for maintenance of the installed solar pumps for five years will rest with the respective installation agencies. Farmers are also being given options to utilise or sell surplus energy generated after daily irrigation needs, in line with guidelines issued by the Government of India.
Work Underway in Multiple Districts:
Installation work has already begun in several districts, including Mandsaur, Neemuch, Betul, Bhind, Sagar, Shajapur, Jabalpur, Ashoknagar, Bhopal, and Sehore, bringing the benefits of clean energy directly to farmers’ fields.
A Sustainable Solution for Farmers: Overall, the scheme is enabling farmers to become energy self-reliant, reduce operational costs, and create new income opportunities. The government aims to benefit 52,000 farmers, making agriculture more sustainable, resilient, and economically rewarding.
FAQs:
1. What are solar pumps?
Solar pumps use solar energy to pump water for irrigation, reducing electricity dependence.
2. Who is eligible for the PM-KUSUM solar pump subsidy?
All farmers owning agricultural land can avail of subsidies on solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme.
3. How much subsidy is provided for solar pumps under PM-KUSUM?
Up to 90% subsidy is available, including central, state contributions, and an interest-free loan.
4. Can farmers sell surplus solar energy generated?
Yes, farmers can sell surplus energy to the government, earning extra income.
5. Who maintains the solar pumps after installation?
Installation agencies maintain the pumps for five years under the scheme guidelines.
