PM-KUSUM Scheme Reaches Milestone of 5 Lakh Solar Pump Installations
The PM-KUSUM scheme has achieved a significant milestone by installing 5 lakh standalone solar pumps for farmers across India.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- PM-KUSUM scheme achieved a milestone of 5 lakh standalone solar pump installations by May 8, 2026.
- The scheme aims to de-dieselize the agricultural sector and provide energy security to farmers.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the implementing body for the PM-KUSUM scheme.
- PM-KUSUM has three components: solar power plants, standalone solar pumps, and solarization of existing pumps.
- Central Government provides a 60% subsidy for standalone solar pumps under the scheme.
- The scheme contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from diesel pumps.
- PM-KUSUM enhances agricultural productivity through reliable and cost-effective irrigation.
- The scheme supports India's renewable energy targets and climate change mitigation efforts.
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. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| 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 Reaches Milestone of 5 Lakh Solar Pump Installations
- PM-KUSUM scheme achieved a milestone of 5 lakh standalone solar pump installations by May 8, 2026.
- The scheme aims to de-dieselize the agricultural sector and provide energy security to farmers.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the implementing body for the PM-KUSUM scheme.
- PM-KUSUM has three components: solar power plants, standalone solar pumps, and solarization of existing pumps.
- Central Government provides a 60% subsidy for standalone solar pumps under the scheme.
- The scheme contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from diesel pumps.
- PM-KUSUM enhances agricultural productivity through reliable and cost-effective irrigation.
- The scheme supports India's renewable energy targets and climate change mitigation efforts.
Practice Questions
Q1. What significant milestone has the PM-KUSUM scheme achieved as of May 8, 2026?
- Installation of 1 million solar pumps
- Installation of 5 lakh standalone solar pumps
- Solarization of 2 lakh grid-connected pumps
- Establishment of 1000 solar power plants
Explanation: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that the PM-KUSUM scheme has successfully installed 5 lakh standalone solar pumps for farmers across India by May 8, 2026. This marks a significant step in promoting solar energy in agriculture.
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 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This ministry is dedicated to promoting renewable energy sources in India.
Q3. What is the primary objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- To increase the use of diesel pumps in agriculture
- To provide financial aid for traditional farming methods
- To ensure energy security for farmers and de-dieselize the agriculture sector
- To promote the use of chemical fertilizers
Explanation: The main goal of the PM-KUSUM scheme is to ensure energy security for farmers by promoting solar energy for agricultural activities and to reduce the dependence on diesel-powered pumps, thereby de-dieselizing the sector.
Q4. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, what percentage of subsidy does the Central Government typically provide for the installation of standalone solar pumps?
- 30%
- 40%
- 60%
- 70%
Explanation: The Central Government provides a significant subsidy of 60% for the installation of standalone solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The remaining cost is shared by the state governments and the farmers.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a component of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Installation of small solar power plants on barren land
- Installation of standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps
- Solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps
- Subsidized distribution of diesel for agricultural machinery
Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme focuses on promoting solar energy in agriculture through three components: setting up solar power plants, installing standalone solar pumps, and solarizing existing grid-connected pumps. It does not involve the subsidized distribution of diesel.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM-KUSUM Scheme Reaches Milestone of 5 Lakh Solar…
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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