The “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan” (PM-KUSUM) project is one government initiative that promotes the use of solar pumps for irrigation in India. A government program called the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan is carried out by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The PM-KUSUM scheme’s primary goals and measures typically consist of:
Promotion of Solar Pumps: By giving farmers financial assistance, the program hopes to encourage the use of solar pumps for irrigation. It promotes the setting up of solar pump manufacturing facilities, the installation of independent solar pumps, and the solarization of current grid-connected agricultural pumps.
Financial Support: Farmers that want to install solar pumps can do so with the help of the PM-KUSUM program. It comprises financial aid or capital cost assistance to lower the initial outlay needed to buy and install solar pumps. Farmers now have more economical and convenient access to solar pumps as a result.
Replacement of Diesel Pumps: The program’s goal is to switch out diesel pumps for solar ones in order to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and support renewable energy sources. It aids in lowering carbon emissions and the negative effects of diesel-powered irrigation on the environment.
Solar pumps that are connected to the grid: The PM-KUSUM plan also encourages solarizing current grid-connected farm pumps. It encourages farmers to put up solar panels on their farmland so that they can use solar energy to run their irrigation pumps. Farmers can gain income by selling extra electricity that isn’t used by selling it back to the grid.