The Central Government will soon launch a solar farming scheme named ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan’ (KUSUM) with a fund of Rs 1.4 lakh-crore. Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley has announced allocation of Rs 48,000 crore for this scheme in Union Budget 2018-19. The remaining amount will be raised by the states, through loans and farmers themselves.
. Main Features of KUSUM Scheme
- Under the scheme 28,250 MW of solar power will be generated to help farmers for various uses.
- The scheme will provide 1.75 million off-grid agricultural solar pumps.
- 10,000 MW solar power generating plants will be installed on barren lands for solar power production.
- Farmers can also earn extra income by setting up solar power project on their barren land. The state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMS) will purchase the additional solar power generated by farmers.
- Under this scheme about 1.75 lakh solar pumps will be distributed among farmers on 60 per cent subsidy. While 30% of the subsidy will be provided by the Central Government, an equal amount will come from the states. Another 30% will be met through loans while 10% of the cost will be borne by the farmer.
Key Benefits:
-
- It will decrease consumption of diesel in agriculture.
- Local environment will remain cleaned due to use of clean energy.
- Farmers can generate extra income which can be used for agriculture extension and technological investment.
- It will ensure self resilience in energy for farmers.
- It will ensure decentralization of power generation.
