PM-KUSUM Scheme – Recent Updates (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Overview:
- Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme aims to integrate solar energy into Indian agriculture.
- Its objectives include reducing dependence on conventional energy sources, improving irrigation efficiency, and supporting sustainable farming practices.
- However, recent reports highlight that the scheme is struggling to meet its targets, with only 30% of its goals achieved so far.
- With a 2026 deadline approaching, there is an urgent need to address the challenges and improve the scheme’s performance.
Components of the PM-KUSUM Scheme
Component A: Installation of Solar Mini-Grids
- Objective: Set up solar-powered mini-grids on barren lands.
- Purpose: Provide electricity to remote and rural areas that lack reliable power sources, enhancing agricultural productivity and overall quality of life.
Component B: Replacement of Diesel Pumps with Off-Grid Solar Pumps
- Objective: Substitute diesel water pumps with off-grid solar-powered pumps.
- Benefit: Farmers save on diesel costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure a steady water supply for irrigation, even during power outages.
Component C: Replacement of Electric Pumps with On-Grid Solar Pumps
- Objective: Replace electric water pumps with on-grid solar-powered pumps and develop solar mini-grids.
- Goal: Integrate solar energy into existing irrigation systems and infrastructure, making the energy supply more sustainable and less dependent on the national grid.
Progress and Successes
Component B Achievements:
- States Leading Progress: Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have seen significant implementation success.
- Farmer Benefits: Farmers who have transitioned to solar pumps report substantial savings of up to ₹55,000 annually. The reliability of irrigation has improved due to reduced dependency on intermittent power supplies.
Challenges in Implementation
Availability of Cheap Electricity:
- Issue: In many regions, electricity is subsidized and relatively inexpensive, which diminishes the financial incentive for farmers to invest in solar pumps. The lower cost of grid electricity makes solar solutions less attractive.
Pressure to Purchase Larger Pumps:
- Problem: Farmers often face pressure to buy larger and more expensive pumps than necessary. This not only increases the initial investment but also complicates the financial viability of solar pump systems.
Centralized Implementation:
- Inefficiency: The scheme’s centralized approach to implementation has resulted in inconsistencies across states. Variations in state-specific conditions, administrative efficiency, and local support systems contribute to uneven progress.
Recommendations for Improvement
Decentralisation:
- Strategy: Delegate implementation responsibilities to local agencies with expertise in managing solar installations. Local agencies can tailor solutions to regional needs, streamline processes, and enhance the scheme’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Financial Viability:
- Proposal: Introduce flexible financing options, such as installment payments or subsidies, to reduce the upfront costs of solar pumps. This approach will make solar technology more accessible to farmers and encourage wider adoption.
Increased Central Assistance:
- Suggestion: Enhance financial support to states based on specific requirements, including the cost of solar modules and regional economic conditions. This targeted assistance will help address financial barriers and promote more effective implementation.
Conclusion
- The PM-KUSUM scheme represents a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices through the adoption of solar energy.
- However, to meet its targets and realize its full potential, it is essential to address the identified challenges.
- By decentralizing implementation, improving financial accessibility, and increasing targeted support, the scheme can better support farmers and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector.
- The success of the PM-KUSUM scheme will play a crucial role in advancing India's renewable energy goals and enhancing the resilience of its agricultural sector.
