PM-KUSUM Scheme Turns Farmers into Solar Power Producers, Benefits Over 20 Lakh Across India

New Delhi: The PM-KUSUM scheme is helping farmers across India become not only food providers but also clean energy producers, popularly known as “Urjadata”. More than 20 lakh farmers have benefited from the scheme so far, the government informed Parliament.

Under the scheme, farmers can earn up to ₹80,000 per hectare per year by leasing their land for solar power plants. This provides an additional and stable source of income, especially for farmers with unused or less productive land.

Major Benefits of PM-KUSUM

• Extra Income from Solar Plants:
  Under Component A, farmers lease land for solar projects and earn steady annual income. On average, commissioned solar plants generate about ₹4.5 lakh per MW per month.

• Big Savings on Diesel Costs:
  Under Component B, diesel irrigation pumps are replaced with solar pumps. Farmers save around ₹60,000 every year on diesel expenses, and the cost of the pump is recovered within a year.

• Land Leasing Earnings:
  Under Component C, farmers earn around ₹25,000 per acre per year by leasing land for solar installations.

Demand-Based and State-Led Scheme

PM-KUSUM is a demand-driven scheme, where funds are released based on proposals received from states and union territories and their progress in implementation. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana are among the top states in fund utilisation and beneficiary coverage.

Government Statement

The information was shared by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on December 16, 2025.

The scheme plays a key role in boosting farmers’ income, reducing diesel dependence, and promoting clean energy, supporting India’s renewable energy and rural development goals.