PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended Till 2028 with Enhanced Subsidies
The Union Government has extended the **Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)** scheme until **March 31, 2028**, with enhanced subsidies for farmers. Managed by the **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)**, the scheme aims to boost solar energy adoption in agriculture across India, ensuring energy security and additional income for farmers.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- The **PM-KUSUM scheme** has been extended by the Union Government until **March 31, 2028**.
- The **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)** is the nodal ministry for the scheme's implementation.
- The extension includes **enhanced subsidies** for small and marginal farmers, particularly for standalone solar pumps.
- The scheme comprises **three components**: Component A (solar power plants on barren land), Component B (installation of standalone solar pumps), and Component C (solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps).
- A primary objective is to **de-dieselise** the agricultural sector and promote the use of **solar energy** for irrigation.
- The scheme aims to achieve **energy security for farmers**, reduce their input costs, and provide an additional source of income through surplus power sale.
- It contributes significantly to India's **renewable energy targets** and **climate change commitments** under the Paris Agreement.
- The revised budgetary allocation supports the extended timeline and increased targets for solar pump installations and solarization projects.
Why In News
The Union Government recently announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme until March 31, 2028. This decision, accompanied by enhanced subsidies, aims to accelerate the adoption of solar energy in the agricultural sector, making it a significant current affairs development for farmer welfare and renewable energy targets.
Syllabus Connection
This news connects to the government's efforts in promoting renewable energy in agriculture, ensuring energy security for farmers, and contributing to India's climate change mitigation goals through de-dieselisation and solarization of irrigation. Students should revise the broader context of India's energy policy and sustainable agriculture.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) | Role in energy transition, farmer income, water conservation, and climate action. |
| Extension Date | Extended until March 31, 2028 | Rationale for extension, impact on long-term agricultural sustainability and energy security. |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) | Inter-ministerial coordination for scheme implementation and policy formulation. |
| Key Components | Component A (solar plants), B (standalone solar pumps), C (grid-connected pump solarization) | Component-wise challenges, benefits, scalability, and regional disparities in adoption. |
| Primary Objective | Energy security for farmers, de-dieselisation, solarization of agriculture | Socio-economic and environmental benefits, challenges in adoption, and contribution to SDGs. |
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. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
Key Facts to Remember: PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended Till 2028 with Enhanced Subsidies
- The **PM-KUSUM scheme** has been extended by the Union Government until **March 31, 2028**.
- The **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)** is the nodal ministry for the scheme's implementation.
- The extension includes **enhanced subsidies** for small and marginal farmers, particularly for standalone solar pumps.
- The scheme comprises **three components**: Component A (solar power plants on barren land), Component B (installation of standalone solar pumps), and Component C (solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps).
- A primary objective is to **de-dieselise** the agricultural sector and promote the use of **solar energy** for irrigation.
- The scheme aims to achieve **energy security for farmers**, reduce their input costs, and provide an additional source of income through surplus power sale.
- It contributes significantly to India's **renewable energy targets** and **climate change commitments** under the Paris Agreement.
- The revised budgetary allocation supports the extended timeline and increased targets for solar pump installations and solarization projects.
Practice Questions
Q1. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has been extended until which year?
- March 31, 2027
- March 31, 2028
- March 31, 2029
- March 31, 2030
Explanation: The Union Government has extended the PM-KUSUM scheme until **March 31, 2028**. This extension aims to ensure wider coverage and achievement of the scheme's ambitious targets for solar energy adoption in agriculture.
Q2. Which of the following ministries is the nodal agency for the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: The **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)** is the nodal ministry responsible for the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of the PM-KUSUM scheme. This aligns with its mandate to promote renewable energy sources across various sectors.
Q3. Which component of the PM-KUSUM scheme specifically focuses on the installation of standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps?
- Component A
- Component B
- Component C
- Component D
Explanation: **Component B** of the PM-KUSUM scheme is dedicated to the installation of standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps. Component A deals with setting up small solar power plants, and Component C focuses on solarizing existing grid-connected pumps.
Q4. What is a key objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme related to the agricultural sector?
- To promote organic farming practices nationwide.
- To provide crop insurance to all farmers.
- To de-dieselise the agricultural sector and promote solar energy.
- To establish a national grid for agricultural produce.
Explanation: A core objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme is to **de-dieselise the agricultural sector** by replacing diesel pumps with solar pumps and to promote the widespread adoption of solar energy for irrigation. This helps reduce pollution and farmers' reliance on costly fossil fuels.
Q5. Besides providing energy security, what additional benefit does PM-KUSUM offer to farmers by allowing them to sell surplus solar power?
- Access to cheaper fertilizers
- Increased crop yield
- Additional income generation
- Free seeds and agricultural tools
Explanation: Under Component C of PM-KUSUM, farmers can solarize their grid-connected pumps and sell surplus solar power generated to the grid. This provision offers farmers an **additional source of income**, enhancing their economic stability beyond just reducing irrigation costs.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended Till 2028 with Enhanced…
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.
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