Uttar Pradesh’s government has launched a scheme under PM-KUSUM to provide over 54,000 farmers with subsidized solar pumps for 2024-25. Offering up to 60% subsidies, the initiative promotes sustainable irrigation, reduces diesel dependency, and lowers costs. Farmers can apply online, with subsidies varying by pump capacity, fostering eco-friendly farming and energy independence.
Uttar Pradesh Boosts Farming with Solar Pump Subsidies
Scheme Overview: The Uttar Pradesh government, under the PM-KUSUM Yojana, has rolled out a plan to distribute subsidized solar pumps to over 54,000 farmers for the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural sustainability by promoting renewable energy for irrigation, reducing reliance on diesel and grid-based electricity.
Application Process: Farmers can apply online at www.agriculture.up.gov.in from February 27 to February 29, 2025, based on their district’s designated application dates. A token amount of ₹5,000 is required for registration, with the remaining payment due within 14 days after selection. Failure to comply results in cancellation and forfeiture of the token amount.
Subsidy Details: The scheme offers subsidies from both central and state governments, covering up to 60% of the pump cost. For instance, a 2 HP DC surface pump priced at ₹1,71,716 receives a total subsidy of ₹1,03,030 (₹59,291 from the state and ₹43,739 from the central government), with farmers paying ₹63,686. For a 10 HP AC submersible pump, subsidies total ₹2,66,456, with farmers covering ₹1,47,114.
Pump Options: Farmers can choose from nine types of solar pumps, ranging from 2 HP to 10 HP, including both DC and AC models for surface and submersible applications. Pump size requirements depend on borewell specifications, such as a 4-inch bore for 2 HP pumps and an 8-inch bore for 7.5-10 HP pumps.
Eligibility and Restrictions: Eligible farmers must have a borewell facility and cannot relocate installed pumps, or they risk repaying the full subsidy. Existing electricity connections for irrigation will be disconnected post-installation to ensure reliance on solar energy. Loans are available through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund with interest benefits.
Environmental and Economic Impact: By replacing diesel pumps, the scheme reduces irrigation costs and carbon emissions, aligning with India’s renewable energy goals. Solar pumps ensure a reliable water supply, unaffected by power outages, enhancing crop yields and farmer incomes. The initiative supports sustainable farming practices across Uttar Pradesh’s 18 administrative divisions.
Broader Context: The PM-KUSUM scheme, launched in 2019, aims to solarize agriculture nationwide, targeting 14 lakh standalone solar pumps and 35 lakh grid-connected pumps. Uttar Pradesh’s effort is part of this national push, with claims on X suggesting up to 10 lakh farmers may have benefited from free pumps and maintenance, though these figures are unverified.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and government announcements. Information is sourced from credible web sources and posts on X, but claims regarding the exact number of beneficiaries remain inconclusive. Farmers are advised to verify details through official channels like www.agriculture.up.gov.in.