The Government of India has recently announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme till March 2026. The PM-KUSUM scheme is a flagship program of the Government aimed at promoting decentralised renewable energy solutions in rural areas and empowering farmers to meet their energy needs through solar power.
The PM-KUSUM scheme was launched in February 2019 with the objective of promoting the use of solar pumps by farmers and to encourage them to generate income by selling surplus solar power to the grid. The scheme offers various financial incentives, such as subsidies and loans, to farmers to set up solar pumps and other renewable energy systems on their land.
The extension of the PM-KUSUM scheme will provide a much-needed boost to the development of renewable energy in rural areas and help farmers to meet their energy needs through sustainable sources. The scheme is expected to bring about significant economic benefits for farmers, including increased income through the sale of surplus solar power, reduced dependence on conventional energy sources, and a reduction in energy costs.
The PM-KUSUM scheme is also expected to help address the issue of energy poverty in rural areas and improve access to electricity for millions of farmers. The scheme is expected to provide a significant boost to the rural economy and create employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
The COVID-19 epidemic slowed the speed of PM-KUSUM adoption dramatically. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) also undertook a third-party appraisal of the plan, and based on the suggestions, the scheme was extended till 31.3.2026,” R K Singh, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme for farmers in the country to build solar pumps, grid-connected solar, and other renewable energy plants.