What this scheme offers
Diesel and grid-power irrigation pumps come with two chronic problems for Maharashtra farmers: rising fuel/electricity costs, and load-shedding that cuts power exactly when crops need water most. This scheme, run alongside the central PM-KUSUM programme, replaces that with a solar pump — 3 to 7.5 HP depending on farm size — that runs on sunlight during the day, when farmers actually need to irrigate, with no ongoing electricity bill at all. The state made this attractive by asking farmers to pay only 10% of the cost upfront (just 5% for SC/ST farmers), with the rest covered by central and state subsidy, and backing every installation with a 5-year repair warranty so a breakdown doesn't mean starting over.
Who is eligible
- Farmer with agricultural landholding in Maharashtra.
- Access to a farm suitable for solar pump installation (adequate sunlight, no existing conflicting connection in some cases).
- Willingness to pay the 10% (5% for SC/ST) upfront contribution.
- Existing diesel pump users and new applicants both eligible, per MEDA guidelines.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership / 7/12 extract
- Bank account details
- Farm details (existing pump type, if any)
How to apply
- Apply online through the MEDA / Mahaurja portal, or via the Maha Krushi Urja Abhiyan application process under PM-KUSUM.
- Provide your land records, farm size, and existing power source details.
- A technical survey confirms your farm's suitability for solar pump capacity.
- On approval, pay your 10% (or 5%) contribution; MEDA arranges installation through empanelled vendors.
- The 5-year repair warranty is registered against your installation — keep your application ID for any future service request.