PM KUSUM Yojana Online Registration 2024: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is a government initiative aimed at reducing the dependency on diesel in the agricultural sector. It encourages farmers to adopt solar power by providing subsidies for solar pumps and solar plants. This article will explore the scheme in detail, including its objectives, eligibility, benefits, required documents, and PM KUSUM Yojana Online Registration 2024 process.
What is the PM KUSUM Yojana?
The PM KUSUM Yojana was introduced by the Government of India to promote solar energy usage in agriculture. The scheme offers financial support to farmers for installing solar pumps and solar power plants. This transition to renewable energy is part of a larger goal to reduce the environmental impact of diesel-powered pumps and boost farmers’ income through sustainable practices. Under the scheme, farmers can install solar pumps with up to 50% subsidy from the government, while also having the option to install solar power plants and sell the electricity generated to local power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Objective of PM KUSUM Yojana
The main objectives of the PM KUSUM Yojana are:
- De-Dieselisation of Agriculture: The scheme aims to reduce reliance on diesel for powering water pumps, which is both costly and polluting.
- Income Generation for Farmers: By enabling farmers to generate electricity, the scheme offers them an additional income source. Farmers can sell surplus power to the grid, earning from their solar power plants.
- Energy Security: With grid-connected solar plants, farmers can ensure a stable and cost-effective energy source for irrigation.
- Environmental Sustainability: The scheme promotes the use of clean and renewable energy in agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from diesel engines.
PM Kusum Yojana Eligibility
To apply for the PM KUSUM Yojana, farmers must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Ownership of Land: Farmers who own barren or fallow land can apply for the installation of solar power plants.
- Electricity Connection for Pumps: Farmers with existing grid-connected agricultural pumps can apply for solarization of these pumps.
- Willingness to Sell Power: Farmers should be open to selling surplus solar power generated on their land to the local DISCOM.
- Individual or Group Applications: Farmers can apply individually or as a part of a group to set up a solar plant.
PM Kusum Yojana Benefits
The PM KUSUM Yojana offers several benefits to farmers:
- Financial Assistance: The government provides up to 50% subsidy for installing solar pumps. This makes the adoption of solar energy affordable for farmers.
- Income from Solar Energy: Farmers can sell electricity generated from solar plants to the DISCOM, which can become a regular source of income.
- Reduction in Diesel Costs: Solar-powered pumps reduce the need for diesel, cutting down on fuel costs significantly.
- Environment-Friendly: Solar power is a renewable energy source, which reduces carbon emissions, thereby contributing to environmental conservation.
- Reliable Water Supply: Solar pumps offer a more consistent water supply for irrigation, especially in areas with limited electricity access.
PM Kusum Yojana Document
Farmers need to submit the following documents while applying for the PM KUSUM Yojana:
- Identity Proof: Aadhar card, PAN card, or any other government-issued identity proof.
- Land Ownership Documents: Documents proving ownership of the land on which the solar pump or power plant will be installed.
- Bank Account Details: Passbook copy or bank statement for subsidy transfer.
- Electricity Bill: For those with existing grid-connected pumps, a recent electricity bill is required.
- Passport-Size Photographs: Recent passport-size photographs of the applicant.
- Consent Letter: If applying as a group, a consent letter from other members may be required.
PM KUSUM Yojana Scheme Components
The PM KUSUM Yojana has three primary components:
1. Component A: Solar Power Plants on Barren Land
Farmers can set up grid-connected solar power plants of capacity up to 2 MW on their barren or fallow land. This allows farmers to earn additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs.
2. Component B: Installation of Solar Pumps
The scheme offers financial assistance to install standalone solar pumps in off-grid areas. These pumps help provide water for irrigation without relying on electricity or diesel.
3. Component C: Solarisation of Existing Agricultural Pumps
Farmers with existing grid-connected pumps can opt for solarization, which allows them to use solar energy to power their pumps and potentially sell surplus energy to the grid.
PM KUSUM Yojana Online Registration Process
Farmers can apply for the PM KUSUM Yojana through an online registration process:
- Visit the Official Website: Farmers need to go to the official PM KUSUM Yojana portal provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or the designated state department website.
- Select the Relevant Scheme Component: Based on their requirements, farmers should choose among the three components of the scheme.
- Fill in the Application Form: Farmers must fill out the online application form with details such as name, contact information, land details, and bank account information.
- Upload Required Documents: The relevant documents, including identity proof, land ownership proof, and bank details, must be uploaded.
- Submit the Application: After filling out the form and uploading documents, farmers can submit their application.
- Tracking Application Status: Once submitted, farmers can track the status of their application through the official website using the provided application number.
- Approval and Subsidy Disbursal: Upon approval, the subsidy amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account. The approved farmer can then proceed with installing the solar pump or plant as per the selected scheme component.
How to Check the PM KUSUM Yojana Online Registration Application Status
Farmers can easily check the status of their application after submission:
- Visit the official PM KUSUM Yojana website.
- Go to the ‘Application Status’ section.
- Enter the application number or registration ID.
- Click ‘Submit’ to view the current status of the application.
PM KUSUM Yojana Beneficiary List
To check the PM KUSUM Yojana beneficiary list, you can follow the steps below. This list includes details of farmers who have successfully enrolled and benefited from the scheme. States publish the list on their designated portals to ensure transparency.
How to Check the PM KUSUM Yojana Beneficiary List
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or the specific portal for PM KUSUM Yojana. Some states also provide information on their state renewable energy or agricultural department websites.
- Navigate to the Beneficiary Section: Look for a section labeled as “Beneficiary List,” “Beneficiary Status,” or “PM KUSUM Yojana Beneficiaries” on the homepage or under a relevant tab.
- Select the Appropriate Component: Since PM KUSUM Yojana has different components (Component A, B, and C), you may need to select the specific component for which you want to check the beneficiary list:
- Component A: Solar power plants on barren land.
- Component B: Installation of standalone solar pumps.
- Component C: Solarization of existing agricultural pumps.
- Enter Required Details: Some portals may require you to enter details such as your application ID, state, district, or village name.
- View the List: Once you provide the details, the system should display the list of beneficiaries for the selected component in your area. This list may include:
- Beneficiary’s name
- Location (district and village)
- Type of assistance received (solar pump, solar power plant, etc.)
- Status of the subsidy or installation
- Download the List: Many portals allow you to download the list for reference. Look for a “Download” or “Print” option if you want to save the information for offline access.
State-Wise Implementation of PM KUSUM Yojana
The scheme is implemented by the designated departments of each state government. Some states also have state-specific variations or additional incentives. Farmers are encouraged to visit their state’s official website or contact local agricultural offices for detailed information.
Key Points for Farmers Applying for PM KUSUM Yojana
- Subsidy Cap: The government provides up to 30% to 50% subsidy on solar pump installations. Farmers should confirm the exact subsidy percentage based on their state’s policy.
- DISCOM Agreement: For Component A, farmers must enter into an agreement with the DISCOM to sell surplus power generated from the solar plant.
- Maintenance: Solar pumps require minimal maintenance. Farmers should still ensure timely servicing to maximize efficiency.
- Benefits Beyond Financial: Apart from income generation, the scheme also promotes a shift to sustainable farming practices and contributes to environmental protection.
Challenges Faced by Farmers in PM KUSUM Yojana
- High Upfront Cost: Even with subsidies, the initial cost of setting up solar systems can be a hurdle for some farmers.
- Limited Awareness: Many farmers are still unaware of the scheme or do not have complete information on how to benefit from it.
- Connectivity Issues in Remote Areas: In some regions, connectivity issues may make it difficult for farmers to participate in Component A (selling power to the grid).
- Land Availability: Not all farmers have access to barren or fallow land to install solar power plants, limiting their participation in Component A.
Conclusion
The PM KUSUM Yojana is a landmark initiative by the Indian government to drive solar energy adoption in agriculture. By providing financial support and encouraging the use of renewable energy, the scheme has the potential to transform the farm sector, boost farmers’ incomes, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Farmers interested in applying should gather the necessary documents, understand the benefits of each component, and follow the online registration process to take advantage of this scheme.