Haryana has become the first state in the country to install off-grid solar pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Uttan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM).So far, Haryana has installed 14,418 pumps against the sanctioned 15,000 pumps for the year 2020-21.It was announced in the concluding session of the nationwide ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ organized by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy( MNRE).
The implementation of PM KUSUM has provided an opportunity to the farmers to switch from diesel pumps to solar pumps. This move will lead towards doubling the farmers income by reducing the input cost of agriculture.
Target for Haryana
i.Under the PM KUSUM scheme, the target was to set up 20 lakh standalone solar pumps, under which Under this, Haryana was given a target of setting up 15,000 pumps with a total cost of Rs 520 crore for the year 2020-21.
ii.The state department received more than 42,000 applications online therefore the new target has increased by setting up 22,000 pumps with a total cost of Rs 844 crore for financial year 2021-22.
iii.Under the scheme, 3 HP(House power) to 10 HP capacity of solar pumps are being installed with 75 percent subsidy. The Government of India is providing 30 percent central financial assistance and the state government will provide 45 percent subsidy. Farmers have to pay only 25 percent of the total pump cost.
Insurance cover-
These pumps have been installed with a 5-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) and insurance cover for natural calamities, theft etc.No extra cost will be paid by the farmers.
Reduction in carbon footprint
The pumps can generate around 105 MW of solar capacity in the state and have resulted in reduction of carbon footprint by about 76,000 tonnes per annum.
The implementation of PM KUSUM has provided an opportunity to the farmers to switch from diesel pumps to solar pumps. This move will lead towards doubling the farmers income by reducing the input cost of agriculture.
About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Uttan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM)
The PM-KUSUM scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to support installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and reduce dependence on grid, in grid-connected areas.
Objective – to provide financial and water security and doubling farmers income
The government’s Budget for 2020-21 expanded the scope for the scheme with 20 lakh farmers to be provided assistance to install standalone solar pumps; another 15 lakh farmers to be given help to solarise their grid-connected pump sets.
