PM-KUSUM Yojana (Solar Agriculture Pumps): An Exploratory Study in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Yojana was launched by the Government of India in 2019 to promote the use of solar energy in agriculture, reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, and ensure sustainable irrigation. The present study was conducted in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, which had one of the highest numbers of installed solar irrigation pumps under the scheme. A total of 100 beneficiary farmers were selected randomly, and data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The study assessed the knowledge and adoption levels of beneficiary farmers regarding solar agricultural pumps under PM-KUSUM. The findings revealed that respondents possessed a satisfactory level of knowledge about the scheme, with the highest awareness observed regarding the environmental friendliness of solar pumps (MPS 86.20), reduction in irrigation costs (MPS 85.60), and future sustainability (MPS 84.70). The adoption level was also encouraging, as most respondents perceived the scheme as beneficial for farmers (MPS 85.40), ensuring sustainable irrigation (MPS 83.60), and providing a better alternative to diesel and electric pumps (MPS 82.40). However, challenges such as high initial investment costs, delays in registration and subsidy disbursement, limited technical guidance, and reduced efficiency during cloudy weather were reported by farmers. The study concludes that PM-KUSUM has significantly contributed to promoting renewable energy use and improving irrigation facilities among beneficiary farmers. Strengthening extension services, ensuring timely financial support, and providing regular technical assistance can further enhance the effectiveness and adoption of the scheme.
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Introduction
Agriculture is one of the most critical sectors of the Indian economy and relies heavily on irrigation and energy resources. In India, groundwater serves as the primary source of irrigation, and the majority of irrigation pumps are powered by electricity or diesel. However, rising diesel prices, erratic power supply, and environmental pollution have created numerous challenges for farmers — particularly for small and marginal farmers.
To address these issues, the Government of India launched the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan' (PM-KUSUM) scheme in 2019 to promote the use of solar energy in agriculture. This scheme encourages the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and foster sustainable farming practices. Under 'Component-B' of this scheme, farmers are provided with financial assistance to install standalone solar pumps. Farmers receive a subsidy of up to 60 percent, comprising 30 percent from the Central Government and 30 percent from the State Government. Farmers are required to contribute only 10 percent of the total cost, while the remaining amount can be secured through bank loans.
The Solar Agriculture Pump (PM-KUSUM Yojana) scheme has rapidly expanded across the country, including Uttar Pradesh. According to official government figures, by December 2024 [or projected by December 2025 — please verify], the program had assisted around 21.77 lakh farmers.
Conclusion
The results of this study revealed that farmers covered under the PM-KUSUM scheme possessed a substantial level of awareness regarding solar agricultural pumps and their associated benefits. The majority of farmers recognized that solar pumps help reduce irrigation costs, decrease diesel consumption, and provide a reliable source of energy for agricultural operations. Farmers also perceived solar technology as beneficial for ensuring continued irrigation during power outages and for promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.
The study further observed that, among the farmers who benefited from the scheme, the inclination toward adopting solar pumps was generally positive. Farmers believed that the scheme had led to improvements in irrigation facilities, boosted agricultural productivity, and reduced dependence on traditional energy sources. Many farmers viewed solar pumps as a cost-effective long-term investment, citing their low operational costs and high suitability for the rural agricultural environment.
Despite these benefits, farmers encountered certain challenges, including high initial investment costs, delays in registration and subsidy disbursement, limited technical guidance, and reduced efficiency during cloudy weather. These challenges acted as impediments to the widespread acceptance and adoption of this technology among certain segments of the farming community.
Overall, the PM-KUSUM scheme has made a significant contribution toward promoting renewable energy within the agricultural sector and improving the farming conditions of beneficiary farmers. The study suggests that enhanced extension support, timely financial assistance, streamlined administrative procedures, and regular technical maintenance services could prove instrumental in boosting both the effectiveness and the adoption rate of this scheme in rural areas.
References
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