In its implementation of the Union government Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan [PM-KUSUM] scheme, Uttar Pradesh is set to install 30,000 solar photovoltaic irrigation pumps to benefit the farmers.

 “According to the guidelines of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India, 60 percent of the benchmark cost of the installation of standalone solar pumps of different capacities up to 7.5 HP will be provided as grant, 30 percent each of which will be borne by the centre and the state,” a press statement issued by the state government on September 17.

To avail this scheme, interested individuals must register on the Agriculture Department’s website, www.upagriculture.com. Following registration, farmers should select the pump specifications and categories for which they wish to apply for eligibility.

Subsequently, the allocation of tokens to farmers will commence, and this allocation will be based on a first-come, first-served basis. During the application process, farmers will be required to make an online payment of Rs 5,000 as a token deposit. Subsidies for the installation of solar pumps will be provided to farmers according to the allocated targets for all districts.

“Farmers who are interested in installing standalone solar pumps through the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund can deposit the necessary farmer’s share by obtaining a loan from a bank at the same time. The state and central governments will contribute 3% each of the total interest rebate of 6% on this,” the statement mentioned.

A sum of Rs 434 crore under PM KUSUM Yojana in the financial year 2023-24 will be released of which the state and Central government’s shares would be Rs 217.84 crore and Rs 217.09 crore respectively, it mentioned.