The Union Government has announced to launch Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) Scheme to encourage farmers for solar farming.
KUSUM Scheme aims for decentralized solar power production of up to 28250 megawatt (MW) over a period of five years.
It will provide additional income to farmers by giving them option to sell additional power to the power grid through solar power projects set up on their barren lands.
Important Components of this scheme is Building 10,000 MW solar plants on barren lands and Distributing 17.5 lakh solar pumps.
Under this Scheme Government will provide 60% subsidy on solar pumps to farmers. It will be shared between Centre and States while 30% will be provided through bank loans. The balance cost will be borne by farmers.