Uttar Pradesh has enhanced subsidies for solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme, offering up to 90% financial aid to farmers for irrigation. Over 54,000 farmers can apply for pumps ranging from 2 to 10 HP, reducing reliance on diesel and promoting sustainable agriculture. Applications opened in February 2025, aiming to lower irrigation costs and boost renewable energy adoption in rural areas.
UP’s Solar Pump Initiative Empowers Farmers
The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out an ambitious plan to provide over 54,000 farmers with subsidized solar pumps for the fiscal year 2024-25 under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. This initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing dependency on diesel-powered irrigation, offers significant financial assistance to make solar pumps affordable for farmers across the state.
Under the scheme, farmers can choose from nine types of solar pumps, ranging from 2 horsepower (HP) to 10 HP, catering to diverse agricultural needs. The state and central governments are jointly providing subsidies, with Musahar, Vantangia, and Scheduled Tribe farmers eligible for up to 90% financial aid, effectively making solar-powered tube wells free for these groups. Other farmers will receive a combined subsidy of up to 90%, with the central government contributing 30% and the state adding 60%. For instance, a 2 HP DC surface pump, priced at ₹1,71,716, receives a total subsidy of ₹1,03,030, leaving farmers to pay ₹63,686 after a ₹5,000 registration fee. Similarly, a 10 HP submersible pump, costing ₹4,13,570, benefits from a ₹2,66,456 subsidy, with farmers covering the remaining ₹1,47,114.
Applications for the scheme opened on February 27, 2025, and are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis through the Agriculture Department’s portal, www.agriculture.up.gov.in. Farmers must deposit a ₹5,000 token amount online and ensure their borewell meets specific requirements, such as a 4-inch bore for 2 HP pumps or an 8-inch bore for 7.5–10 HP pumps. Failure to meet these criteria or pay the remaining amount within 14 days results in cancellation and forfeiture of the token amount. Additionally, farmers with existing electric connections must surrender them post-installation, and relocating the pump requires returning the full subsidy.
The scheme aligns with the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022, approved to run for five years, offering a state viability gap funding (VGF) of ₹50 lakh per MW for solarizing agricultural feeders under Kusum C-2 and private on-grid pumps under Kusum C-1. This policy aims to reduce irrigation costs, which have surged due to frequent power breakdowns and reliance on costly diesel pumps. By transitioning to solar, farmers can access a reliable, eco-friendly irrigation source, cutting operational expenses and contributing to environmental conservation.
The initiative also integrates with the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), allowing farmers to secure loans with interest benefits to cover their share of the cost. For example, a 2 HP solar pump, costing ₹2,49,000, receives a ₹1,70,000 subsidy, with farmers paying ₹79,186. This financial support is particularly crucial for small and marginal farmers, who form a significant portion of UP’s agricultural community.
The PM-KUSUM scheme, launched nationally in 2019, promotes renewable energy in agriculture through three components: setting up 10,000 MW of decentralized solar power plants, installing 14 lakh standalone solar pumps, and solarizing 35 lakh grid-connected pumps. In Uttar Pradesh, the focus is on Component B (standalone pumps) and Component C (grid-connected pump solarization), with the state government enhancing subsidies to accelerate adoption. This move not only lowers farmers’ energy costs but also allows them to sell surplus solar power to distribution companies (DISCOMs), potentially generating additional income.
The scheme has specific eligibility criteria. Farmers must provide a certified Khatauni copy from their tehsil and submit documents, including a bank draft, to the Deputy Director of Agriculture’s office. The application process involves online submission, verification of existing diesel pumps, and installation by approved vendors. In areas with depleted groundwater (below 100 feet), new solar pumps are restricted, but existing diesel pumps can be converted to solar if paired with micro-irrigation techniques like drip or sprinkler systems.
This initiative reflects Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring daytime power availability for irrigation, the scheme addresses both economic and environmental challenges. Farmers like those in Punjab, where similar schemes have led to zero electricity bills and surplus power usage for household needs, serve as a model for UP’s aspirations. The state’s push for solar pumps is expected to enhance crop yields, boost farmers’ incomes, and contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and government announcements regarding the PM-KUSUM scheme and Uttar Pradesh’s solar pump initiative. Information is sourced from credible news outlets, government portals, and agricultural policy updates available as of September 2, 2025. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels like www.agriculture.up.gov.in or www.pmkusum.mnre.gov.in for the latest guidelines and application processes.