PM-KUSUM Scheme Expanded to Cover 50 Lakh Farmers by 2027
The Union Government has announced the expansion of the PM-KUSUM scheme to provide solar pumps to 50 lakh farmers by the end of 2027.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- The PM-KUSUM scheme aims to provide solar pumps to 50 lakh farmers by March 2027.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- The scheme has three components: small solar power plants, standalone solar pumps, and solarization of existing grid-connected pumps.
- Farmers can earn additional income by selling surplus solar power generated to the grid.
- The scheme seeks to reduce the subsidy burden on State Discoms by decreasing reliance on subsidized grid power for agriculture.
- PM-KUSUM promotes sustainable agricultural practices and enhances energy security for farmers.
- The original launch year of the scheme was 2019.
- The expansion targets a significant increase in solar pump adoption in the agricultural sector.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: PM-KUSUM Scheme Expanded to Cover 50 Lakh Farmers by 2027
- The PM-KUSUM scheme aims to provide solar pumps to 50 lakh farmers by March 2027.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- The scheme has three components: small solar power plants, standalone solar pumps, and solarization of existing grid-connected pumps.
- Farmers can earn additional income by selling surplus solar power generated to the grid.
- The scheme seeks to reduce the subsidy burden on State Discoms by decreasing reliance on subsidized grid power for agriculture.
- PM-KUSUM promotes sustainable agricultural practices and enhances energy security for farmers.
- The original launch year of the scheme was 2019.
- The expansion targets a significant increase in solar pump adoption in the agricultural sector.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the revised target for the number of farmers to be provided with solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme by March 2027?
- 25 lakh farmers
- 50 lakh farmers
- 75 lakh farmers
- 1 crore farmers
Explanation: The Union Government has announced the expansion of the PM-KUSUM scheme with a revised target to provide solar pumps to 50 lakh farmers by March 2027.
Q2. Which Union Ministry is responsible for the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry responsible for the implementation and oversight of the PM-KUSUM scheme across India.
Q3. Which of the following is a key objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- To increase the import of diesel for agricultural pumps
- To promote the use of solar-powered irrigation pumps
- To subsidize the cost of traditional electricity connections for farmers
- To encourage the use of thermal power for agriculture
Explanation: A primary objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme is to promote the adoption of solar energy in the agricultural sector, specifically through the provision of solar-powered irrigation pumps.
Q4. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, farmers have the potential to earn additional income through which mechanism?
- Selling excess crop produce to the government
- Selling surplus solar power generated to the grid
- Receiving direct cash transfers from the government
- Leasing their land for solar power plant installations only
Explanation: One of the significant benefits for farmers under PM-KUSUM is the opportunity to generate additional income by selling the surplus solar power produced from their solar installations back to the electricity grid.
Q5. What is a significant financial benefit expected for State Discoms due to the PM-KUSUM scheme's expansion?
- Increased revenue from selling more electricity to farmers
- Reduced subsidy burden on agricultural power consumption
- Higher costs for maintaining solar infrastructure
- Mandatory purchase of solar panels from Discoms
Explanation: By enabling farmers to use solar power for irrigation, the scheme aims to reduce their dependence on subsidized grid electricity, thereby lowering the overall subsidy burden that State Discoms have to bear.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM-KUSUM Scheme Expanded to Cover 50 Lakh Farmers…
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
Related Current Affairs
Test Your Knowledge on Today's Current Affairs
10 questions · 10 minutes · Based on today's GK updates. See how prepared you really are.
Start Daily Quiz