What this scheme offers
PM-KUSUM has three components. Component A supports setting up small (0.5–2 MW) solar power plants on farmers' land, which DISCOMs buy power from at a fixed feed-in tariff — turning otherwise unused or marginal land into an income source. Component B subsidises standalone off-grid solar irrigation pumps (3–10 HP), replacing diesel pumps directly. Component C supports "solarising" existing grid-connected agricultural pumps, letting farmers sell surplus solar power back to the grid. Central Financial Assistance covers 30% of project cost nationally (50% in the North-East, J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, Ladakh and island UTs); most states add a further subsidy on top, with the farmer typically contributing only around 10% out of pocket after loan financing.
Who is eligible
- Individual farmers who own agricultural land, and want to install a pump or lease/use land for a solar plant.
- Groups of farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Water User Associations.
- Farmers currently using diesel pumps, or with no reliable grid power for irrigation, are the primary target for Component B.
- Entities unable to arrange the upfront equity share can partner with a developer or their local DISCOM instead.
Documents required
- Land ownership or leasehold documents
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details
- Existing electricity connection details, where applicable (Component C)
How to apply
- Visit pmkusum.mnre.gov.in or your State Nodal Agency's renewable energy portal — application windows, targets, and exact process vary significantly by state.
- Choose the relevant component (A, B or C) based on whether you want a solar power plant, a new standalone pump, or to solarise an existing grid-connected pump.
- Submit your land and identity documents for site verification by the State Nodal Agency.
- On approval, arrange your share of the cost (often via an institutional loan covering up to 30% of project cost, after subsidy).
- Installation is carried out by an empanelled vendor; the balance of Central Financial Assistance is released after successful commissioning.