Hindu Editorial Analysis : 15-January-2025

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has made significant strides in promoting renewable energy in agriculture. As we approach its target year of 2026, there is an urgent need to recalibrate the scheme to address challenges and optimize its impact. This recalibration will ensure the scheme effectively achieves energy security for farmers, promotes renewable energy, and contributes to India’s climate commitments.

About the PM-KUSUM Scheme

PM-KUSUM aims to reduce the dependency of farmers on diesel and the grid, enhance their income, and contribute to India’s renewable energy targets. The scheme comprises three key components:

  • Component A: Installation of decentralized renewable energy plants (10,000 MW) on barren land.
  • Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar agricultural pumps in off-grid areas.
  • Component C: Solarization of 10 lakh grid-connected pumps, allowing farmers to sell surplus power to DISCOMs.
Key Benefits of the Scheme

Socio-Economic Benefits:

  • Affordable and reliable energy access for farmers, especially marginalized ones.
  • Reduced dependency on costly diesel and erratic grid power.
  • Potential for increased income through surplus energy sales to DISCOMs.
  • Local job creation in solar infrastructure installation and maintenance.

Environmental Benefits:

  • Reduction of 32 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
  • Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Supports India’s goal of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Technological Benefits:

  • Encourages solar technology innovation.
  • Adoption of low-maintenance solar pumps and hybrid systems.
Challenges in the PM-KUSUM Scheme

Despite its potential, the PM-KUSUM scheme faces several challenges:

  • Implementation Bottlenecks: Slow progress, with only 30% of targets achieved by 2024. Centralized implementation has sidelined local expertise.
  • Affordability and Accessibility: High upfront costs remain a barrier for small and marginal farmers.
  • Subsidized Electricity: The availability of cheap electricity for farmers reduces their incentive to adopt solar energy solutions.
  • Technical and Logistical Issues: Variability in pump capacities and lack of maintenance infrastructure.
  • Regional Disparities: States like Haryana and Rajasthan are performing well, while states such as Bihar and Odisha lag behind.
Success Stories and Potential

PM-KUSUM has demonstrated success in reducing diesel consumption and providing farmers with a reliable source of energy. Beneficiaries like Devki Devi and Sunita Devi, known as “Solar Didis” from Bihar, have experienced firsthand how solar energy transforms agricultural practices. These success stories highlight the scheme’s potential to revolutionize farming and contribute to India’s renewable energy targets.

Recommendations for Recalibration

To enhance the scheme’s impact, the following recommendations are crucial:

  • Decentralization: Empower local agencies to implement the scheme based on regional needs.
  • Incentives for Solar Adoption: Enhance subsidies and incentives to encourage farmers, especially in areas with cheap electricity.
  • Focus on Components A and C: Prioritize these components for balanced progress.
  • DISCOM Viability: Offer policy incentives to ensure timely procurement of surplus power from farmers.
  • State-Specific Strategies: Develop tailored strategies for efficient implementation in each state.
Why In News

As the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme approaches its target year of 2026, a recalibration is necessary to address challenges and optimize its impact in achieving energy security for farmers, promoting renewable energy, and meeting climate commitments. This recalibration will ensure the scheme remains adaptable to evolving agricultural needs and infrastructure capabilities, thereby maximizing its long-term benefits.

MCQs about Recalibrating the PM-KUSUM Scheme:Editorial Analysis
  1. What is the main goal of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
    A. To reduce the dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers.
    B. To enhance farmers’ energy independence through renewable energy.
    C. To increase farmers’ use of traditional agricultural practices.
    D. To promote the use of electric tractors.
    Correct Answer: B. To enhance farmers’ energy independence through renewable energy.
    Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme primarily aims to reduce farmers’ dependency on diesel and the grid, and enhance their energy independence by promoting renewable energy, especially solar power, in the agricultural sector.
  2. Which of the following is NOT one of the components of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
    A. Installation of decentralized renewable energy plants on barren land.
    B. Distribution of electric tractors to farmers.
    C. Installation of standalone solar agricultural pumps.
    D. Solarization of grid-connected agricultural pumps.
    Correct Answer: B. Distribution of electric tractors to farmers.
    Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme consists of three components: installing decentralized renewable energy plants, standalone solar agricultural pumps, and solarizing grid-connected pumps. Electric tractors are not part of this scheme.
  3. What is one of the environmental benefits of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
    A. Increased fossil fuel usage for irrigation.
    B. Reduction of 32 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
    C. Expansion of coal-based power generation.
    D. Reduction in the number of solar panels used.
    Correct Answer: B. Reduction of 32 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
    Explanation: One of the key environmental benefits of the PM-KUSUM scheme is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant reduction of 32 million tonnes of CO₂ annually due to the promotion of solar energy in agriculture.
  4. Which of the following is a major challenge faced by the PM-KUSUM scheme?
    A. Limited use of renewable energy.
    B. Low implementation progress with only 30% of targets achieved by 2024.
    C. Lack of farmers interested in solar energy.
    D. Abundant financial support from the central government.
    Correct Answer: B. Low implementation progress with only 30% of targets achieved by 2024.
    Explanation: A key challenge of the PM-KUSUM scheme is the slow implementation progress, with only 30% of the targets achieved by 2024. This has been due to various factors such as affordability, accessibility, and logistical issues.

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