Zero takers in Karnataka for PM-KUSUM’s most lucrative solar scheme

PM-KUSUM Scheme – Karnataka Status

Introduction:

• PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) launched in 2019 to promote renewable energy in agriculture.
• Objectives:
  1. Reduce agriculture’s dependence on diesel.
  2. Provide reliable solar power for irrigation.
  3. Enhance farmers’ income.

Scheme Components:

1. Component A: Decentralised solar plants (up to 2 MW) on farmers’ land, with the ability to sell excess power to DISCOMs.
2. Component B: Off-grid solar pumps for irrigation.
3. Component C: Solarisation of grid-connected agriculture pumps, including feeder-level solarisation.

Karnataka Performance:

• Component A: No takers; zero demand raised even after six years.
• Component B: 41,365 solar pumps sanctioned, only 2,388 installed.
• Component C: 6.28 lakh pumps approved, only 23,133 solarised. Individual pump solarisation under Component C has zero uptake.
• District performance varies: Tumakuru leads (6,160), Chikkaballapur (5,364), Ramanagara (3,788). Low adoption in major agricultural districts like Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Mysuru.

Comparative National Performance:

• Karnataka: 23,761 farmers benefited.
• Maharashtra: 7.27 lakh farmers.
• Gujarat: 1.95 lakh farmers.
• Rajasthan: 1.56 lakh farmers.
• Even small states like Goa show better coverage.

Financial Assistance:

• Central Government: 30% subsidy for Components B & C (higher for hilly and NE states).
• State contribution optional (up to 30%). Balance borne by farmer.

Key Issues:

• Underutilisation of Components A and C.
• Uneven implementation across districts.
• Low farmer engagement despite lucrative incentives.

Significance:

• Highlights challenges in adoption of renewable energy in agriculture.
• Shows importance of state-level proactive engagement and awareness among farmers for achieving scheme objectives.

Updated - 04 Aug 2025, 11:42 am | New India Express