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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘PM-KUSUM Scheme extended till 2026’ : 16 August

Daily News Analysis ‘PM-KUSUM Scheme extended till 2026’ : 16 August

The PM-KUSUM scheme, aimed at boosting solar energy in agriculture, has faced low uptake and has forced the government to push the scheme’s deadline to 2026.

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More about the News:

  • The scheme aimed to set up 100 GW of solar power plants on farmer-owned land, install 14 lakh solar pumps, and solarise 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
  • As of June, 2024: Only 256 MW of power plants, 3.97 lakh solar pumps and 13,500 solarised pumps have been installed. The low uptake has forced the government to push the scheme’s deadline to 2026.

About Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM):

  • 2019: Launched for farm sector de-dieselisation and increasing farmer income.
  • Objective: Enhance energy security and meet India’s 2030 target of 40% non-fossil-fuel power capacity.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • The scheme has 3 components:
    • Component A: 10,000 MW via small solar power plants up to 2 MW.
    • Component B: 20 lakh standalone solar pumps for off-grid areas.
    • Component C: Solarization of 15 lakh grid-connected pumps.

Why in News?

  • The PM-KUSUM scheme, aimed at boosting solar energy in agriculture, has faced low uptake and has forced the government to push the scheme’s deadline to 2026.