Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना): How Farmers Can Earn from Solar Energy

The Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना) is more than just a solar irrigation initiative. It is a scheme designed to help farmers reduce electricity costs and earn extra income by selling surplus solar energy (अतिरिक्त सौर ऊर्जा) to the grid.

With the rising cost of electricity and increasing focus on renewable energy (नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा), Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना) provides a sustainable way for farmers to improve profits (किसान आय) while supporting the country’s green energy goals.

What is Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना क्या है?)

Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), promotes:

1. Installation of solar pumps (सौर पंप) for irrigation
2. Decentralized solar power plants (सौर ऊर्जा संयंत्र) on farms
3. Selling surplus energy to the grid to generate additional revenue (अतिरिक्त आय)

It has three main components:

• Component A: Solar pumps for irrigation
• Component B: Grid-connected solar power plants (up to 10 MW)
• Component C: Farmers selling excess solar power to state electricity boards

Eligibility Criteria (कुसुम योजना पात्रता)

To apply for Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना), applicants must meet the following:

• Must be a farmer (किसान) with agricultural land
• Land should be suitable for solar pump installation or solar plant
• Must have access to grid connection (for selling surplus energy)
• Preference for small and marginal farmers (लघु और सीमांत किसान)

Financial Benefits Under Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना लाभ)

The scheme provides:

1. Subsidy (सब्सिडी) on Solar Pumps:
   • Up to 60–90% subsidy for farmers, depending on landholding and state
2. Revenue from Selling Surplus Power (अतिरिक्त सौर ऊर्जा से आय):
   • Farmers can earn by feeding excess energy to the electricity grid
   • Payments are made through state electricity boards
3. Reduced Electricity Bills (बिजली बिल में बचत):
   • Farmers no longer rely entirely on expensive diesel or grid electricity
4. Support for Sustainable Agriculture (सतत कृषि समर्थन):
   • Solar irrigation reduces dependency on fossil fuels
   • Encourages green energy use

How Farmers Can Earn from Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना से किसान आय कैसे बढ़ाएं)

1. Install a Solar Pump (सौर पंप स्थापित करें):
   • Connect it to farm irrigation
   • Use it to reduce diesel or electricity costs
2. Generate Extra Power (अतिरिक्त बिजली उत्पादन करें):
   • Install grid-connected panels under Component B or C
   • Feed surplus energy to the grid
3. Get Subsidies and Incentives (सब्सिडी और प्रोत्साहन प्राप्त करें):
   • Apply through state implementing agencies
   • Receive upfront subsidies and payments for sold energy
4. Increase Farm Profitability (कृषि लाभ बढ़ाएं):
   • Lower input costs + new revenue stream = higher profits

Step-by-Step Application Process (कुसुम योजना आवेदन प्रक्रिया)

1. Register with the state renewable energy department (राज्य नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा विभाग)
2. Verify land ownership and grid availability
3. Submit application online/offline
4. Choose type of solar installation (pump or plant)
5. Receive approval and subsidy (सब्सिडी)
6. Install solar system and start earning

State-Wise Implementation (राज्यवार कार्यान्वयन)

• States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have active Kusum Yojana projects
• Subsidy percentages, installation support, and revenue-sharing models may vary by state
• Local agriculture or energy boards provide guidance for farmers

Advantages of Kusum Yojana (कुसुम योजना के लाभ)

1. Extra Income for Farmers (किसानों के लिए अतिरिक्त आय)
2. Reduced dependency on diesel/electricity (डीजल/बिजली पर निर्भरता कम)
3. Promotion of renewable energy (नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा का प्रचार)
4. Sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture (सतत और पर्यावरण-अनुकूल कृषि)
5. Government support and subsidy (सरकारी सहायता और सब्सिडी)

Limitations / Challenges (सीमाएँ और चुनौतियाँ)

• High initial investment for large solar plants
• Maintenance of solar equipment
• Grid connectivity issues in remote areas
• Awareness among small farmers is still low

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs / अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)