Opportunity for Farmers Awaiting Agricultural Electric Connections

Sriganganagar, August 22: For farmers struggling with diesel-powered pumps due to a lack of agricultural electricity connections, the Prime Minister's Kisan Energy Security and Upliftment Scheme (PM-KUSUM) Standalone Solar Pump Project (Component B) presents a golden opportunity. Farmers can benefit from a 60% subsidy provided by both the central and state governments to install solar energy pump systems, with many expressing their gratitude for the support.

Under PM-KUSUM Component B, farmers installing solar pump systems of 3, 5, and 7.5 horsepower will receive a 60% subsidy—30% from the central government and 30% from the state government. Additionally, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers will receive an extra 45,000 INR per pump system from the state fund. Farmers will need to cover 40% of the total cost, which can be financed through a bank loan for up to 30% of their share. The subsidy is applicable only when the solar pump system is installed by a firm contracted or listed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of India, with the farmer choosing the supplier firm.

The subsidy payment is processed in two phases. The first payment, 90% of the total amount (40% farmer's share and 50% subsidy), is made after the supplier firm installs the pump and verification by a committee. The remaining amount is paid in the second phase.

For the fiscal year 2023-24, the target is to install 100,000 solar pump systems across the state. The allocation includes 15,000 systems for Jaipur, 13,000 for Sriganganagar, 8,190 for Churu, and 7,000 each for Hanumangarh and Bikaner.

Application Process and Approval

Farmers can apply for the solar pump systems via the RajKisan Sathi portal through e-Mitra or their SSO ID. Applications will be screened online by district offices, and technical surveys will be conducted by the relevant firms. The survey report and system quotation will be submitted online to the district horticulture office.

Upon administrative approval, farmers must deposit their 40% share into the bank account of the District Horticulture Development Society through the RajKisan Sathi portal, e-Mitra, or ECS/DD. After the deposit, an online work order will be issued. The supplier firm will install the system, upload the detailed information on the portal, issue and scan the bill, and provide insurance, which will also be scanned and uploaded. Physical verification of the installation will occur within seven days using the designated mobile app, including a five-year insurance coverage.

Required Documents

Before applying online, farmers should ensure they have their Aadhaar card, land ownership documents, a declaration of available irrigation water sources, and an affidavit stating the absence of an electric connection.

Eligibility

Priority will be given to small and marginal farmers. Land ownership of at least 0.4 hectares is required. For tribal farmers in notified areas, ownership of 0.2 hectares is needed for 3 and 5 HP pumps. Farmers with existing irrigation infrastructure and those using diesel pumps must provide an affidavit confirming water source availability. Drip, mini-sprinkler, or micro-sprinkler systems must be used for irrigation.

Lists of eligible farmers will be sent to the electricity department. Those with existing agricultural electric connections or prior subsidies under the solar pump scheme are ineligible. The PM-KUSUM Component B scheme is implemented by the state government's horticulture department under the MNRE.