KUSUM scheme to install grid connected solar plants in rural India
The scheme will also include attaching solar panels to grid-connected agricultural pumps to make farmers independent of power supply.
Modi government is in process of formulating Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme to harness solar power for rural India. The scheme will allow to setup grid-connected solar plants in rural areas.
KUSUM will build 10,000 MW solar plant and provide 1.75 million off-grid agricultural solar pumps. The program aims to boost farmers’ income as they can sell their additional power to the main grid produced by solar plants located on their lands as per General Knowledge Today.
The government of India has planned a scheme Kusum which will provide installation of grid-connected solar plants and standalone off-grid solar water pumps for irrigation.
The scheme will also include attaching solar panels to grid-connected agricultural pumps to make farmers independent of a power supply. The program will support states to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) target.
The program will help farmers in de-dieselizing as India has about 30 million farm pumps of which 10 million are running on diesel, as per General Knowledge Today. The government has also planned to provide 60 per cent subsidy on solar pumps from Central and state whereas 30 per cent will be provided by bank loans.
This initiative will reduce transmission of harmful components and will provide support to farmers by improving their financial status.
Source: devdiscourse
