The Role of “PM KUSUM Yojana” in Promoting Renewable Energy for Mains
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM Yojana) is a transformative initiative by the Indian government aimed at promoting renewable energy, particularly solar power, in the agriculture sector. Launched in 2019, this scheme not only addresses the challenges of energy access and sustainability but also contributes to India’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy targets under the Paris Agreement.
This blog explores the objectives, components, achievements, and challenges of PM KUSUM Yojana, offering a detailed analysis to aid aspirants preparing for UPSC Mains.
Objectives of PM KUSUM Yojana
The PM KUSUM Yojana is designed with the following objectives:
- Promoting Renewable Energy: Increase the use of solar energy in agriculture by installing solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.
- Reducing Farmer Dependency on Conventional Energy: Provide farmers access to reliable and affordable solar power, reducing dependency on diesel or electricity grids.
- Enhancing Farmer Income: Allow farmers to sell surplus power generated by solar plants to the grid, providing an additional source of income.
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: Align with India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by promoting clean energy sources.
Components of PM KUSUM Yojana
The scheme comprises three key components:
- Component-A:
Installation of 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy plants (up to 2 MW capacity each) on barren or fallow land. Farmers can sell surplus energy to DISCOMs at pre-determined tariffs. - Component-B:
Installation of 20 lakh standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps to replace diesel pumps, particularly in areas with unreliable electricity. - Component-C:
Solarization of 15 lakh existing grid-connected agricultural pumps to ensure efficient energy usage and reduce subsidy burdens on the state governments.
Achievements of PM KUSUM Yojana
- Boost to Renewable Energy Capacity:
- As of 2024, the scheme has significantly contributed to the 40 GW rooftop solar energy target under India’s larger renewable energy goals.
- Solar installations under Components A and B have enhanced India’s decentralized solar capacity.
- Economic Benefits for Farmers:
- Farmers earn additional income by selling surplus electricity generated from solar plants.
- Reduced diesel consumption has led to significant cost savings for farmers.
- Sustainability and Carbon Reduction:
- The scheme has reduced India’s carbon emissions, contributing to its Paris Agreement commitments.
- Encourages sustainable farming practices by minimizing fossil fuel dependency.
- Job Creation:
- The installation, operation, and maintenance of solar plants have created employment opportunities in rural areas.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its ambitious goals, PM KUSUM Yojana faces several challenges:
- High Upfront Costs:
- The installation of solar pumps and plants requires significant capital investment, which may not be affordable for small and marginal farmers.
- Land Availability:
- Farmers often hesitate to allocate land for solar plants, particularly if the land is cultivable.
- State-Level Coordination:
- State DISCOMs often lack the financial capacity or infrastructure to integrate decentralized solar power into the grid effectively.
- Awareness and Outreach:
- Limited awareness among farmers about the benefits and procedures of the scheme hampers its adoption.
- Subsidy Dependency:
- Delays in the release of subsidies impact the financial viability of the scheme for farmers and DISCOMs.
Relevance of PM KUSUM Yojana for UPSC Mains
GS Paper 2:
- Governance: Analyze the role of government schemes in promoting renewable energy.
- Federalism: Discuss state-center collaboration in implementing PM KUSUM Yojana.
GS Paper 3:
- Energy Security: Explain how PM KUSUM contributes to India’s energy goals.
- Environment: Highlight its impact on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
- Agriculture: Discuss its benefits for the farming community, particularly in terms of cost savings and additional income.
Study Resources
Government and Official Resources
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): mnre.gov.in
- NITI Aayog Reports: Analysis of energy and agricultural sustainability.
- Economic Survey: Chapters on renewable energy and agriculture.
Sleepy Classes Resources
- Renewable Energy Modules: Sleepy Classes
- Current Affairs Lectures: Regular updates on PM KUSUM and related policies.
- Agriculture and Energy Intersections: Insightful case studies in test series and videos.
External Resources
- PRS Legislative Research: prsindia.org
- IEA Reports: Global insights on renewable energy.
- Wikipedia: Detailed information on renewable energy in India.
Case Studies: PM KUSUM in Action
- Rajasthan:
- A leader in implementing PM KUSUM Yojana, Rajasthan has installed over 10,000 solar pumps under Component B. Farmers have reported reduced input costs and additional income through power sales.
- Maharashtra:
- Solar pumps under the scheme have enabled efficient irrigation in water-scarce regions, improving agricultural productivity.
- Tamil Nadu:
- Solarization of grid-connected pumps has minimized electricity subsidy burdens on the state government.
Steps to Improve Implementation
- Increased Financial Support:
- Provide additional subsidies or low-interest loans to small and marginal farmers to ease the financial burden.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Conduct large-scale awareness drives in rural areas to educate farmers about the benefits of solar energy.
- Streamlined Processes:
- Simplify the application and subsidy disbursal processes for better accessibility.
- Private Sector Participation:
- Encourage private investments in decentralized solar plants to complement government efforts.
- Technology Upgradation:
- Invest in advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and durability of solar pumps and panels.
How to Integrate PM KUSUM Yojana in UPSC Mains Answers
Introduction:
Start with a contextual reference.
“India, being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, has undertaken ambitious renewable energy targets. The PM KUSUM Yojana is a pivotal step toward achieving these goals while addressing agricultural energy needs.”
Body:
- Discuss objectives, features, and benefits.
- Highlight challenges and provide solutions.
- Use data to substantiate points.
Example: “The scheme has installed over 20 lakh solar pumps, reducing India’s annual diesel consumption by 1.5 billion liters.”
Conclusion:
Conclude with a forward-looking statement.
“PM KUSUM Yojana represents a harmonious blend of renewable energy promotion and farmer welfare. With collaborative efforts, it can transform India’s agricultural and energy landscapes.”
Conclusion
The PM KUSUM Yojana is a groundbreaking initiative that addresses energy access, environmental sustainability, and farmer welfare. For UPSC Mains, understanding the scheme’s components, challenges, and achievements is essential for writing comprehensive answers in GS papers. By integrating technological advancements with policy innovation, PM KUSUM Yojana exemplifies India’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future.
