Budget 2021-22, Union Budget 2021: PM Kusum plan has increased so much
Indian Union Budget 2021-22: In the Union Budget 2020, a big announcement for farmers was made under the PM Kusum scheme. According to the budget announcement, 20 lakh farmers will be helped to install solar pumps under this scheme. Presenting the budget, the Finance Minister said that 15 lakh farmers will be provided funds to install grid connected solar pumps. In fact, the government’s goal is to run all the diesel or electric pumps used in irrigation across the country with solar energy, while also increasing the income of farmers. However, many challenges are being seen in the complete implementation of this scheme, and experts also believe that the PM Kusum scheme will only shine once fully implemented.
Although Kisan Energy Security and Upliftment Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme was announced in the budget 2018-19, but it got approval of the cabinet in 2019. In the Budget 2020, the Finance Minister has expanded the scheme. The scheme is being run keeping in mind the areas facing the power crisis. The Modi government had launched the PM Kusum Yojana in the last term in February 2019, for which a provision of Rs 34,422 crore was made.
Farmers spend 10 percent
According to the budget set by the government, a total of Rs 1.40 lakh crore will be spent on the Kusum scheme. Out of the total expenditure on Kusum Yojana, the central government will contribute 48 thousand crore rupees, while the same amount will be given by the state government. Farmers have to bear only 10 percent of the total cost of solar pump under Kusum Yojana. The first is to replace diesel pumps in grazing. In areas where there is no electricity grid, farmers will be given 17.5 lakh solar pump sets under the Kusum scheme. Apart from this, in places where there is electricity grid, farmers will be given 10 lakh pump sets.
What are the problems right now
A major problem with the PM Kusum scheme is that there is a lack of information among a large number of farmers about it. In many areas, it is in bad shape due to lack of publicity. The target set to provide solar pumps to all the farmers was also not met. Due to lack of information, farmers are not reaching the office of Agriculture Department. There have been many such media reports.
At the same time, farmers are not getting special training about this scheme, what are its benefits, how to maintain it. How can farmers also earn income through this.
Both central government and state government have to contribute in this scheme. Therefore, there are practical problems due to lack of coordination between the Center and the state or due to difference in policy.
Environment challenges are also becoming a weakness in this scheme. There are strict provisions regarding the use of groundwater. In such a situation, if the farmer wants to generate more electricity and sell it, then he will have to use the groundwater more.
These provisions include
Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had informed that on the basis of discussions with the states, it has been decided to include feeder level solar plant under Component-C of PM-Kusum scheme. There are three components under the scheme. Component-A involves the installation of grid-connected renewable energy plant on decentralized land. Component-B includes the provision of solar-powered agricultural pumps on a single basis and a grid connected plant for agricultural pumps under Component-C.
What are its advantages
The biggest benefit to the farmers under the PM Kusum scheme will be that they will get free electricity for irrigation. This scheme will reduce the dependence of farmers on diesel and kerosene oil. Another advantage is that they will be able to sell the surplus power generated by it to a company. This scheme will enable farmers to produce solar energy and sell it to the grid. That is, their income will also increase.
3 components
PM Kusum Yojana has three components. Under the plan, a total of 25,750 MW of solar capacity is planned to be built by 2022 by combining these three components. At the same time, it has to be increased to 28250 MW.
10,000 MW capacity grid connected decentralized renewable power plant
17.50 lakh grid-separated solar power agricultural pumps
Solarization of 1 million grid connected solar electric agricultural pumps
How to apply
For the application under PM Kusum scheme, registration has to be done by visiting the official website https://mnre.gov.in/. For this, Aadhar card, property documents and bank account information will have to be given.
