PM-KUSUM Scheme: 319.23 MW Installed, 5.4 Lakh Pumps Deployed, 80,845 Pumps Solarised

India has made significant strides under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, with 319.23 MW of decentralised renewable energy capacity installed, over 5.4 lakh standalone solar pumps deployed, and 80,845 existing agricultural pumps solarised as of October 31, 2024. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have been at the forefront of implementation, showcasing remarkable progress in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions in the agricultural sector.

These updates were shared by the Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, in response to a question posed by Rajya Sabha MP  Rajeev Shukla, The inquiry focused on the scheme’s objectives of enhancing energy and water security for farmers, reducing diesel dependence in agriculture, and generating additional income through solar power production.

Naik said that the scheme encompasses decentralised renewable energy projects, off-grid solar pump installations, and the solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps with the  aim to create a sustainable energy infrastructure. However, challenges such as land availability, affordable financing, and delays in state share disbursements have hindered its implementation.

To address these issues, the government issued revised guidelines in January 2024 and included all components of the scheme under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund. This integration aims to streamline processes and accelerate progress, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and promoting renewable energy in India.

Further, the Minister also presented the progress of the PM-KUSUM Scheme as of October 31, 2024, highlighting a substantial implementation effort across India. Under Component A, which focuses on setting up decentralised, ground-mounted renewable energy plants, 10,000 MW has been sanctioned nationwide, with 319.23 MW installed so far. Rajasthan leads in installed capacity with 244 MW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 31.63 MW and Himachal Pradesh at 25.95 MW.

Under Component B, designed for standalone off-grid solar water pumps, 13.02 lakh pumps have been sanctioned, of which 5.4 lakh have been installed. Maharashtra and Haryana have shown strong performance with 1.97 lakh and 1.36 lakh pumps installed, respectively.

For Component C, which involves the solarisation of grid-connected pumps and feeder-level solarisation, over 34.65 lakh pumps have been sanctioned, with 80,845 already solarised. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are leading in solarisation, ensuring a significant reduction in dependency on conventional grid power.

Despite these achievements, challenges like land availability and financing continue to impede progress. Comprehensive guidelines and inclusion under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund aim to mitigate these obstacles and accelerate the scheme’s implementation.