- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:54 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The installation of solar-powered pumps for farm irrigation under the PM Kusum Yojana has come to a standstill in the district this year, as the government has not allocated a target for the current financial year. Over the last three years, 163 solar pumps were installed, but the program's halt raises concerns about efforts to reduce electricity consumption and improve the local power supply.
If the scheme had continued, the adoption of solar pumps could have decreased the load on the grid and potentially improved the power cut situation in the district.
Scheme Details And Performance
Under the PM Kusum Yojana, farmers are eligible to install solar pumps ranging from two to ten horsepower (HP). The program provides significant financial assistance:
- A 60 per cent subsidy on the total cost is provided jointly by the central and state governments.
- The farmer is required to pay the remaining 40 per cent of the cost, along with a token deposit of Rs 5,000.
- In the last three years, the district had a target to install 463 solar pumps, of which 163 have been successfully installed.
Shift In Farmer Interest
A key reason for the declining interest among farmers is a new government initiative providing free electricity for farm irrigation to those who have cleared their previous dues. As most irrigation pumps in the district are electric, this free power scheme has reduced the financial incentive for farmers to invest in solar alternatives.
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Official Statement
Ram Jatan Mishra, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, confirmed the situation. "This time, the government has not allocated a target for installing solar pumps under the PM Kusum Yojana, so applications have not been invited," he stated. "Once the target is allocated, applications will be accepted from farmers and solar pumps will be installed according to their demand."