Friday, August 16, 2019
Kusum Scheme
KUSUM Scheme stands for Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan, which translates to Farmer Energy Security and Upliftment Campaign. It is an initiative launched by the Government of India to promote the use of solar power among farmers and provide them with an additional source of income. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget of 2018-19. Here are the key features of the KUSUM Scheme:
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Objectives of Kusum Scheme:
1. Promoting Solar Agriculture Pumps: The scheme aims to encourage farmers to use solar-powered agriculture pumps, reducing their dependence on grid-based electricity and diesel pumps.
2. Solarization of Grid-Connected Agriculture Pumps: Under KUSUM, the government plans to solarize existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, making them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
3. Setting Up of Small Solar Power Plants: KUSUM promotes the installation of small solar power plants (of capacities ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW) on barren or unused agricultural land. These plants will be used to generate electricity for individual farmers or sell it to the grid, generating income for them.
Components of KUSUM Scheme:
1. Component-A: Installation of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground-Mounted Grid-Connected Renewable Power Plants. These will be installed on barren or unused agricultural land and provide a source of income to farmers.
2. Component-B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps. Farmers will be supported with a 60% subsidy on the cost of solar pumps. Farmers can also sell excess electricity generated to the grid, providing an additional income source.
3. Component-C: Solarization of 10 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps. This component focuses on retrofitting existing grid-connected pumps with solar panels, making them more energy-efficient.
Benefits of Kusum Scheme:
1. Reduced Energy Costs: Farmers can reduce their energy costs by using solar-powered pumps instead of diesel or grid-based electricity.
2. Income Generation: Farmers can earn income by selling excess electricity generated from solar pumps to the grid.
3. Environmentally Friendly: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, contributing to environmental conservation.
4. Grid Decongestion: By promoting decentralized solar power generation, the burden on the electricity grid can be reduced.
KUSUM Scheme aims to make farmers more self-reliant in terms of energy while contributing to the country's clean energy goals. The scheme benefits both the farmers and the environment, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.