PM-KUSUM Scheme Extension: Solarizing Indian Agriculture
The government has extended the PM-KUSUM scheme until 2028 to ensure complete solarization of agricultural pumps.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- PM-KUSUM scheme extended until March 2028 to achieve complete solarization of agricultural pumps.
- The scheme aims to provide energy security to farmers and reduce reliance on diesel.
- Farmers can earn additional income by selling surplus solar power to the grid.
- Enhanced subsidies are available for solar pump installations in North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
- The scheme has three components: A (new solar plants), B (solarization of existing grid-connected pumps), and C (standalone solar pumps).
- The target is to deploy 30.8 GW of solar capacity by 2028 under the scheme.
- PM-KUSUM contributes to India's renewable energy targets and climate action goals.
- The scheme promotes sustainable agriculture and enhances farmer livelihoods through cost savings and additional income.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
Key Facts to Remember: PM-KUSUM Scheme Extension: Solarizing Indian Agriculture
- PM-KUSUM scheme extended until March 2028 to achieve complete solarization of agricultural pumps.
- The scheme aims to provide energy security to farmers and reduce reliance on diesel.
- Farmers can earn additional income by selling surplus solar power to the grid.
- Enhanced subsidies are available for solar pump installations in North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
- The scheme has three components: A (new solar plants), B (solarization of existing grid-connected pumps), and C (standalone solar pumps).
- The target is to deploy 30.8 GW of solar capacity by 2028 under the scheme.
- PM-KUSUM contributes to India's renewable energy targets and climate action goals.
- The scheme promotes sustainable agriculture and enhances farmer livelihoods through cost savings and additional income.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the primary objective of the extended PM-KUSUM scheme?
- To promote solar energy manufacturing in India
- To provide financial assistance for electric vehicles
- To achieve complete solarization of agricultural pumps and ensure energy security for farmers
- To subsidize the cost of traditional farming equipment
Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme's core aim is to solarize agricultural pumps, thereby providing farmers with reliable and affordable energy and reducing their dependence on fossil fuels like diesel.
Q2. Which 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 formulation and implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme.
Q3. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, farmers can benefit by:
- Selling surplus solar energy to the grid and reducing electricity bills
- Receiving direct cash subsidies for diesel purchases
- Getting free solar panels for their homes
- Using solar power only for non-agricultural purposes
Explanation: The scheme allows farmers to sell surplus solar power generated from their pumps back to the grid, creating an additional income source, while also reducing their own energy expenses for irrigation.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT one of the components of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Component A: Installation of new solar power plants on barren/fallow land
- Component B: Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps
- Component C: Development of solar pumps for un-grid-connected areas
- Component D: Subsidies for solar-powered tractors
Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme comprises three main components focused on solar power generation and pump usage. Subsidies for solar-powered tractors are not part of this scheme.
Q5. The extension of the PM-KUSUM scheme until March 2028 specifically offers enhanced subsidies for which regions?
- Coastal regions and island territories
- North-Eastern states and Himalayan regions
- Drought-prone areas and desert regions
- Industrial zones and urban peripheries
Explanation: The extended phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme includes provisions for enhanced subsidies to encourage solar pump adoption in the North-Eastern states and the Himalayan regions, acknowledging their unique challenges.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM-KUSUM Scheme Extension: Solarizing Indian Agri…
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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