Government to Provide 90% Subsidy on Solar Pumps for Farmers

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved amendments to the installation plan for solar pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana. The scheme includes provisions for providing solar pumps to farmers at a 90% subsidy.

The government is promoting the use of solar pumps to support farmers with better irrigation facilities while reducing crop production costs. To encourage more farmers to adopt solar pumps, the central and state governments are running several schemes. As part of this initiative, the Madhya Pradesh government launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana earlier this year to provide farmers with solar pumps at minimal cost.

Amendments Approved in Cabinet Meeting

During the Cabinet meeting held on 18 November under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, amendments to the solar pump installation guidelines were approved. Under the revised provisions, farmers will now have the option to receive a pump with one higher capacity than their approved category.

For example, farmers with a 3 HP temporary electricity connection can opt for a 5 HP solar pump, and those with a 5 HP connection can choose a 7.5 HP solar pump.

90% Subsidy on Solar Pumps

According to the government, the first phase of the scheme will benefit farmers with temporary electricity connections or those without electricity. For solar pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity, the farmer’s share will be 10%, while the government will provide a 90% subsidy.

Implementation of the Scheme

Notably, the Government of India’s KUSUM-B Scheme has been implemented in the state under the new name Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana from 24 January 2025. The scheme is being executed by the Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam.

This decision will help reduce the subsidy burden on the state government for powering electric water pumps and will also lower the distribution losses of electricity distribution companies.