PM-KUSUM for Off-Grid Farmers — Does It Apply to You? (2026 Complete Guide)
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) subsidises solar irrigation pumps for farmers at 60–80% of cost. Component B — the part most farmers actually qualify for — replaces diesel pumps on off-grid agricultural land with solar pumps up to 7.5 HP. In general states, a farmer pays roughly Rs 18,000–25,000 out of pocket for a 3 HP pump. This guide tells you exactly who qualifies, what you will pay, how to apply without being scammed, and whether to apply now or wait for PM-KUSUM 2.0.
- Who qualifies: Farmers who own land, have no grid electricity on that land, and haven't received PM-KUSUM benefits in 7 years.
- What you pay: As little as Rs 18,000–25,000 cash out-of-pocket for a 3 HP pump (10% of benchmark cost in general states + 30% bank loan).
- Timeline: 14–20 months from application to working pump. Apply today — do not wait for PM-KUSUM 2.0.
Scheme Status — March 2026
The current PM-KUSUM scheme ran until March 31, 2026. PM-KUSUM 2.0 is expected to launch Q2 FY27 (July–September 2026) with a Rs 50,000 crore budget. If your state portal has an open window now, apply immediately — do not wait. Check pmkusum.mnre.gov.in for the latest extension or 2.0 launch notification. PM Surya Ghar (residential rooftop) is a separate scheme and does not cover off-grid solar.
Priya Venkataraman
Rural Energy Consultant | PM-KUSUM Implementation Specialist
In This Guide
- Am I Eligible? — 3-Path Decision
- PM-KUSUM by the Numbers
- PM-KUSUM vs PM Surya Ghar
- Three Components: A, B, and C
- Component B — Deep Dive
- Full Eligibility Conditions
- Hidden Disqualifiers
- How Much Will You Pay?
- Worked Example: Real Farmer Cost
- PM-KUSUM 2.0 — Apply Now or Wait?
- How to Apply — Step by Step
- Documents Required
- State-by-State Portal Guide
- Realistic Timeline: 14–20 Months
- After Your Pump Is Installed
- USPC: Off-Season Value
- 11 Common Application Mistakes
- Fraud and Scam Warnings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Am I Eligible? — Find Your Path
Most PM-KUSUM guides describe all components and eligibility without helping you determine which path applies to you. Find your situation below before reading further.
Individual Farmer
You own agricultural land in your name, the land has no grid electricity connection, and you need irrigation water.
- Land ownership records in your name (Khasra-Khatauni)
- No grid electricity on the farm
- Existing or planned borewell for water source
- Haven't received PM-KUSUM in past 7 years
→ Component B applies to you. Read on.
Farmer Groups & FPOs
You are part of a water user association, cooperative, panchayat, or Farmer Producer Organisation with multiple off-grid farms.
- Registered entity (WUA, cooperative, panchayat, FPO)
- Each member must individually meet land + off-grid criteria
- Group application can aggregate smaller holdings
- Same subsidy structure: 60–80% government share
→ Component B applies. Contact your state nodal agency.
Not Eligible for Component B
Any one of these conditions means Component B is not available to you — and most online guides never mention them.
- Tenant farmer or sharecropper (leased land, no title)
- Farm already has grid electricity connection
- Received PM-KUSUM benefits in the last 7 years
- Farm is in a groundwater 'dark zone' (Rajasthan: 219 of 302 blocks)
- Need more than 7.5 HP in a general state
→ See hidden disqualifiers section for full detail.
PM-KUSUM by the Numbers
The scale of PM-KUSUM places it among the world's largest agricultural solar programmes. These numbers give you context on uptake, funding, and what states are actually delivering.
Rs 34,422 Cr
Total Central Financial Assistance (CFA)
Across all three components
14 lakh
Target standalone pumps — Component B
Solar irrigation pumps for off-grid farms
60–80%
Government subsidy share
Central + state combined
~10%
Farmer's cash out-of-pocket (general states)
+ 30% bank loan arranged by state agency
14–20 mo
Application-to-installation timeline
Plan for at least one agricultural season
4.57 lakh
Maharashtra Component B installations
National leader as of October 2025
PM-KUSUM or PM Surya Ghar — Which Scheme Covers You?
Both are MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) solar subsidy schemes. Both launched and were extended in the same period. Both are called "solar subsidy." They serve completely different situations — and conflating them is the single biggest mistake in online content about Indian solar subsidies.
| Dimension | PM-KUSUM Component B | PM Surya Ghar |
|---|---|---|
| For | Farmers, Water User Associations | Residential households |
| Location | Agricultural land | Home rooftop |
| Grid requirement | OFF-grid required (no grid = eligible) | Grid-connected required (grid = eligible) |
| Purpose | Replace diesel irrigation pump with solar | Generate free electricity, reduce bills |
| Subsidy value | 60–80% of benchmark pump cost | Rs 30,000–78,000 per household (capacity-based) |
| Capacity | Up to 7.5 HP (15 HP special states) | 1–10 kW rooftop |
| Portal | pmkusum.mnre.gov.in (→ state portals) | pmsuryaghar.gov.in (national) |
| Benefit duration | One-time pump provision + 7-year re-apply bar | Per-unit billing reduction ongoing |
Can You Apply for Both?
Yes, if you own both a farm (off-grid) and a home (grid-connected). The schemes are separate, serve separate purposes, and have separate portals. A farmer in Maharashtra who irrigates off-grid but lives in a grid-connected house is legitimately eligible for PM-KUSUM on the farm and PM Surya Ghar at home. Apply separately — the schemes do not conflict.
Three Components: A, B, and C — Which One Applies to You?
PM-KUSUM has three separate components with different purposes, eligibility, and funding structures. Most online guides present all three equally. In practice, the vast majority of farmers searching for PM-KUSUM subsidy need only Component B.
Purpose: Decentralised solar power plants (500 kW–2 MW) on barren or fallow farmland. Farmer leases land to a developer (RESCO) and earns approximately Rs 80,000/hectare/year lease income.
Grid requirement: Grid-connected — power is sold to the DISCOM (Distribution Company).
This is a land-leasing income scheme, not a pump subsidy.
Purpose: Standalone solar-powered irrigation pumps (up to 7.5 HP) to replace diesel pumps on off-grid agricultural land. Government provides 60–80% subsidy. Farmer pays ~10% cash + 30% bank loan.
Grid requirement: None — designed for farms with no grid electricity. This is what most farmers searching for PM-KUSUM actually need.
If you irrigate on off-grid farmland, this is your scheme.
Purpose: Solarisation of grid-connected agricultural pumps — adds solar panels to existing electric pumps to reduce grid dependency and electricity bills.
Grid requirement: Grid connection required. Only for farmers who already have a grid-connected pump.
For grid-connected farms only. Does not apply off-grid.
Why this matters: A significant share of applicants apply for Component C (grid-connected) when they actually qualify for Component B (off-grid). The two have different eligibility, different portals in some states, and different fund allocation. Applying for the wrong component delays or voids your application.
What PM-KUSUM Component B Actually Does
Component B is a government procurement model. You do not choose your own pump vendor or hardware — an empanelled (approved) supplier is assigned through the state portal after your application is approved. What you decide: whether to apply, whether to take the bank loan portion or pay from savings, and whether to add a Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) for off-season equipment use.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pump capacity range | Up to 7.5 HP in general states; up to 15 HP in special category states |
| Solar panel type | Monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels — vendor-supplied per MNRE specifications |
| System type | DC pump system or AC pump system with VFD — both supported under scheme |
| Vendor selection | Farmer cannot choose vendor; state agency assigns from empanelled list |
| Warranty | 5 years on the complete solar pump system; state agency enforces warranty claims |
| Ownership | Pump belongs to farmer after installation — it is not leased |
| Maintenance | Empanelled vendor responsible for 5 years; MNRE helpline 1800-180-3333 for complaints |
| Water source | Existing borewell or open well required; scheme does not fund new borewell drilling |
| USPC option | Universal Solar Pump Controller available as optional add-on — allows off-season use of solar array |
For farmers considering a complete off-grid solar setup beyond the irrigation pump — for home, workshop, or water treatment — see our guide to assessing your off-grid power needs and the introduction to off-grid power systems.
Full Eligibility Conditions — Component B
You Qualify If:
- You are a registered farmer with land ownership documents (Khasra-Khatauni / Pahani / 7-12 extract depending on state)
- Your agricultural land has no grid electricity connection
- You have not received PM-KUSUM benefits in the past 7 years
- The pump capacity you need is within scheme limits (up to 7.5 HP general, 15 HP special category states)
- Your land is not in a designated groundwater-overexploited 'dark zone'
- Your state portal currently has an open application window
- Gujarat exception: farmers with as little as 0.2 acres in forest-adjacent areas qualify
- Group eligibility: water user associations, cooperatives, panchayats, FPOs with members meeting above criteria
You Do NOT Qualify If:
- You are a tenant farmer or sharecropper — land title required, leased land excluded
- Your farm already has grid electricity connected (Component C covers grid-connected farms)
- You received PM-KUSUM benefits within the last 7 years — the 7-year reapplication bar applies
- Your farm is in a groundwater 'dark zone' — new pump installations are blocked in 219 of 302 Rajasthan blocks, and similar restrictions apply in parts of Punjab and Haryana
- You need over 7.5 HP in a general state — scheme only covers higher capacity in special category states
- Your state's current allocation window is closed — most states run quarterly first-come-first-served windows
How Much Will You Actually Pay?
The subsidy structure has two tiers. Your state category determines how much the central government contributes. Your state government adds a minimum 30% on top of that. The remainder is split between a bank loan (arranged by the state agency) and your direct cash contribution.
| State Type | Central CFA | State Share | Bank Loan | Farmer Cash (Out-of-Pocket) | HP Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General states | 30% | min 30% | 30% | ~10% | Up to 7.5 HP |
| Special category states (NE, HP, Uttarakhand, J&K, Ladakh, islands) | 50% | min 30% | 0–20% | max 20% | Up to 15 HP |
| Where state does not contribute | 30% | 0% | 30–40% | ~30–40% | Up to 7.5 HP |
Approximate Farmer Costs by Pump Size — General States (2025–26)
Note: Actual figures depend on MNRE benchmark cost notifications issued annually. Figures below are illustrative based on 2024–25 benchmark ranges. Verify current benchmark costs on mnre.gov.in before budgeting.
| Pump Size | Approx. Total Benchmark Cost | Government Pays (60%) | Bank Loan (30%) | Farmer Cash (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HP | ~Rs 1,80,000–2,50,000 | Rs 1,08,000–1,50,000 | ~Rs 54,000–75,000 | Rs 18,000–25,000 |
| 5 HP | ~Rs 2,50,000–3,50,000 | Rs 1,50,000–2,10,000 | ~Rs 75,000–1,05,000 | Rs 25,000–35,000 |
| 7.5 HP | ~Rs 6,23,000 | Rs 3,73,800 | ~Rs 1,86,900 | ~Rs 62,300 |
The Bank Loan Problem: 29% Rejection Rate
A Parliamentary Standing Committee report (February 2025) documented that approximately 29% of PM-KUSUM bank loan applications are rejected or not disbursed — banks demand collateral beyond what the scheme requires. If your loan is rejected, you cannot proceed with the installation. Check with your district-level bank branch before submitting your application about their specific collateral requirements and whether they participate in PM-KUSUM lending.
Worked Example: What a Real Farmer Pays
Most PM-KUSUM guides describe the subsidy percentages without showing what a real farmer actually pays. Here is a complete worked example using mid-range figures.
Scenario: Ramesh Singh, Maharashtra — 3 HP Pump
Inputs
- State: Maharashtra (general state)
- Pump size: 3 HP
- Benchmark cost: Rs 2,00,000 (illustrative)
- Central CFA: 30%
- State share: 30%
- Bank loan portion: 30%
- Farmer cash: 10%
Cost Breakdown
- Central pays: Rs 60,000 (30%)
- Maharashtra pays: Rs 60,000 (30%)
- Bank loan: Rs 60,000 (30%, repaid over 5 years)
- Ramesh pays cash: Rs 20,000 (10%)
What Ramesh gets for Rs 20,000 cash:
- • A complete 3 HP solar pump system installed on his farm
- • Eliminates diesel cost: at Rs 80/litre × 5 litres/hour × 8 hours/day × 150 days = Rs 48,000/year diesel saving
- • Payback period on the Rs 20,000 cash investment: approximately 5 months of operation
- • 5-year warranty on the system; vendor maintenance for 5 years
Important: Actual benchmark costs vary by HP rating and are updated by MNRE annually. Diesel savings depend on actual usage hours and local fuel prices. Bank loan repayment (Rs 60,000 over ~5 years) adds ~Rs 1,000–1,200/month to Ramesh's commitments. The 29% bank loan rejection rate means Ramesh should confirm bank participation before submitting.
PM-KUSUM 2.0 — Apply Now or Wait?
The current PM-KUSUM scheme targeted March 31, 2026 as its completion deadline. PM-KUSUM 2.0 is expected to launch Q2 FY27 with a Rs 50,000 crore budget and a new 10 GW agrivoltaics component.
Agrivoltaics (Component A expansion): 10 GW of solar panels installed above crops — shade for plants, power for the grid, lease income for farmers.
Feeder-level solarisation: Shift from individual pump subsidies toward village-cluster solar microgrids for agricultural use.
Budget: Approximately Rs 50,000 crore — approximately 45% higher than the current scheme.
Eligibility criteria, subsidy rates, and application timelines for PM-KUSUM 2.0 are not yet confirmed. Check mnre.gov.in for official announcements.
Applications submitted before March 31, 2026 under the current scheme will be processed under those rules.
PM-KUSUM 2.0 eligibility, subsidy rates, and application windows are not yet published. If your state portal is open today, apply under the current scheme.
Total timeline to a working pump: 14–20 months. Waiting for 2.0 likely costs you a full agricultural season of diesel savings.
Current scheme performance context: As of October 2025, PM-KUSUM has achieved 27.2% of its 34,800 MW target — approximately 1.9 million beneficiaries. Maharashtra leads with ~4.57 lakh Component B installations. Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal have been named laggard states by the Parliamentary Standing Committee (February 2025). If you are in a laggard state, windows open infrequently — apply the moment your portal opens.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Critical: The Application Is Completely Free
The PM-KUSUM application process charges zero fees at every step — registration, verification, approval, and installation. Any website, agent, or person asking for advance payment, processing fee, or registration charge is committing fraud. MNRE has issued multiple public warnings about fraudulent portals. Use only the links provided in this guide.
- 1
Verify eligibility before doing anything else
Confirm: you own the land (title in your name), it has no grid connection, you haven't received PM-KUSUM benefits in 7 years, and your block is not a groundwater dark zone. Check your state's Jal Shakti or Groundwater Authority website for block status. Skipping this step wastes months on an ineligible application.
- 2
Navigate directly to the national portal — do not Google 'PM-KUSUM apply'
Go directly to pmkusum.mnre.gov.in. This page links to all state portals. Fraudulent sites appear prominently in Google search results for PM-KUSUM — do not use Google to find your state portal link. Use only the national portal directory.
- 3
Find your state portal and check the application window
State windows open and close on quarterly or seasonal cycles. If your state is not accepting applications, note the expected next window from the portal and return then. Do not apply through any third-party site claiming to accept applications year-round.
- 4
Register with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Create an account on the state portal using your Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile for OTP verification. Most states require this link — if your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar, update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra before applying.
- 5
Upload all required documents and submit
Upload: Aadhaar card, land records (Khasra-Khatauni/Pahani/7-12), bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked account), passport photo, and no-grid-connection declaration. Some states require additional documents — always check the state portal's requirements tab before gathering documents.
- 6
Track your application and follow up proactively on the bank loan
Processing takes 30–120 days. If approved, the state agency will coordinate bank loan processing for the 30% portion. Given the 29% loan rejection rate, proactively contact your district bank branch to confirm their PM-KUSUM participation and collateral requirements before your application reaches them.
- 7
Installation by empanelled vendor — 12–18 months
After loan disbursement, an empanelled vendor is assigned and installation is scheduled within state allocation windows. You do not choose the vendor. The complete timeline from application to working pump is 14–20 months — plan your irrigation season accordingly.
Documents Required
Document requirements vary slightly by state. The following list covers the standard requirements across most state portals. Always cross-check against your state portal's specific requirements before gathering documents.
Aadhaar card
Original — must match land records name
Land ownership records
Khasra-Khatauni (UP, MP, Rajasthan), Pahani (Telangana, Karnataka), 7-12 extract (Maharashtra, Gujarat)
Bank account details
Passbook or statement — account must be Aadhaar-linked
Passport-size photograph
Recent, clear background
Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Used for OTP during registration
No-grid-connection declaration
Self-declaration that farm has no grid electricity supply
Caste certificate
For SC/ST priority categories — optional but affects queue priority in some states
Bank loan consent
Some states require pre-consent for the 30% bank loan portion
State-by-State Portal Guide
State portal links are the single most useful thing missing from every competitor guide. All links below lead to official government domains (.gov.in). Application window status changes frequently — check the portal for current availability before preparing documents.
| State | Total Subsidy (Central + State) | Window Pattern | Official Portal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gujarat | 30% + 30% = 60% | Year-round | pmkusum.guvnl.com | Farmers with as little as 0.2 acres in forest-adjacent areas qualify — exception to standard minimums |
Haryana | 30% + 30% = 60% | Quarterly cycles | pmkusum.hareda.gov.in | Highest % completion of target (69%); mandatory groundwater zone check before applying |
Rajasthan | 30% + 30% = 60% | Quarterly cycles | pmkusum.rajasthan.gov.in | 219 of 302 blocks are groundwater dark zones — verify your block first before any other step |
Punjab | 30% + 30% = 60% | Quarterly cycles | pmkusum.peda.gov.in | Groundwater zone check required; 68% of blocks partially overexploited |
Assam | 50% + 30% = 80% | Seasonal (Rabi season) | pmkusum.assam.gov.in | Special category state — 80% total subsidy; pump capacity up to 15 HP |
Maharashtra | 30% + 30% = 60% | Quarterly cycles | Via MSEDCL / MAHAURJA | National leader with 4.57 lakh installations; aggregation model is national template |
Uttar Pradesh | 30% + 30% = 60% | ~2 cycles/year (Jan + Jul) | Via UPNEDA portal | Two application windows per year; large backlog — apply the moment window opens |
Madhya Pradesh | 30% + 30% = 60% | Quarterly cycles | Via MPUVNL portal | Check MPUVNL website directly; MNRE portal links sometimes delayed |
Himachal Pradesh | 50% + 30% = 80% | Seasonal | Via HIMURJA | Special category state — 80% subsidy; hill terrain affects installation logistics |
Uttarakhand | 50% + 30% = 80% | Seasonal | Via UREDA | Special category state — 80% subsidy; 15 HP capacity limit |
For all other states, go directly to pmkusum.mnre.gov.in and select your state from the portal directory. Do not use Google to find state portals — fraudulent sites rank prominently in search results for PM-KUSUM state names.
Realistic Timeline: 14–20 Months Total
No competitor publishes this. "Apply online" is the sum total of timeline advice from Tata Power, IBEF, and Bajaj Finserv. The reality is significantly different — and knowing this helps you plan your irrigation season and cash flow around the actual pump arrival date.
Eligibility check and portal registration — Week 1–2
Verify groundwater zone status, confirm Aadhaar-mobile link, gather documents. Do not skip this — an ineligible application wastes months in the queue.
Application submission — Day 1 (of open window)
Most states run first-come-first-served allocation within each window. Apply on the first day the window opens — not the last day.
State agency processing and verification — 1–4 months
State agency verifies land records, grid status, eligibility. 60% of beneficiaries report delays at this stage. Follow up monthly with your state agency contact.
Approval and bank loan coordination — 1–2 months
State issues approval letter; bank processes the 30% loan portion. The 29% loan rejection rate means this step can fail — proactively coordinate with your district bank branch.
Vendor assignment and installation — 12–18 months
Empanelled vendor assigned; installation scheduled based on state allocation windows and vendor capacity. This is the longest phase. The vendor is not your choice — the state assigns from the empanelled list.
Commissioning and working pump — 14–20 months from application
Real-world example: Satveer Singh, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan — enrolled online, installed within a faster-than-average district timeline. Maharashtra's well-run programme achieves closer to the 14-month end; laggard states see 20+ months.
After Your Pump Is Installed
Post-installation problems are common and almost entirely unreported in commercial content. An agricultural constraints study (Agronomy Journals, 2024) found: 76.67% of beneficiaries report solar panel dysfunction during adverse weather, 41.67% report wildlife damage, 31.67% report theft. Planning for these before installation is better than scrambling after.
The empanelled vendor carries a 5-year warranty on the complete solar pump system. For complaints about non-responsive vendors or poor service quality: contact MNRE helpline 1800-180-3333 (toll-free) or email pmkusum-mnre@gov.in.
District-level service centres are sparse — a documented problem in the Parliamentary Committee report. Keep your empanelled vendor's contact details and document all service requests in writing.
The study found 31.67% of beneficiaries experience panel theft — especially on remote farmland. Practical measures: concrete anchoring of the panel frame (not just ground stakes), a chain lock on the mounting structure, and GPS asset tags on individual panels.
Wildlife damage (41.67%) is primarily from cattle and wandering animals. A perimeter fence around the panel array is the most effective preventive measure.
Groundwater Warning for Rajasthan and Punjab Farmers
Named beneficiary cases document solar pumps becoming useless as water tables fall below pump intake depth: Jaman Singh Saini (3.5 HP pump non-functional by 2016), Manoj Kumar (sold panels post-2022 after aquifer depletion). Solar pumps are more efficient than diesel pumps and can accelerate groundwater depletion in already-stressed aquifers. If your block's groundwater level has been declining, assess the long-term viability of your water source before installing.
USPC: Getting Year-Round Value from Your Solar Array
An agricultural solar pump sits idle for a large part of the year in many states. Rajasthan beneficiaries average only 139 pump-days per year; Odisha averages 0–50 days. A Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) converts your idle solar array into a power source for other loads during non-pumping periods.
What a USPC Does
- • Allows solar panels to power lights, fans, and small appliances when not pumping
- • Switches automatically between irrigation and general load
- • Can charge a battery bank for evening use
- • No additional solar panels required — uses the scheme-provided array
Adoption Reality
Only 129 USPCs were adopted alongside 59,234 standalone pumps in Rajasthan as of the latest survey — a 0.2% adoption rate. The reason is awareness, not cost. The USPC is a low-cost addition that most applicants are never told about. Ask your state nodal agency explicitly about the USPC option when submitting your application.
11 Common PM-KUSUM Application Mistakes
These are drawn from documented applicant experiences on agricultural forums, state agency reports, and the Parliamentary Standing Committee report. Most are avoidable with 30 minutes of preparation.
Applying through a Google search result
Fraudulent PM-KUSUM websites appear at the top of search results for 'PM-KUSUM apply online.' Always start at pmkusum.mnre.gov.in and navigate to your state portal from there. Never enter personal information on a site you reached via search.
Fix: Bookmark pmkusum.mnre.gov.in directly. Share the URL with other farmers — word-of-mouth is how fraud spreads.
Applying without checking groundwater zone status first
In Rajasthan (219/302 blocks), Punjab, and parts of Haryana, new pump installations are blocked in dark or critical groundwater zones. The portal may accept your application but it will be rejected at state agency verification — weeks or months later.
Fix: Check your state's Groundwater Authority or Jal Shakti portal for your block's classification before starting the application.
Tenant farmers applying without land title
The scheme requires Khasra-Khatauni records in the applicant's name. Leased land, sharecropping arrangements, and verbal ownership claims are not accepted. Approximately 2.4 crore Indian farmers cultivate land they don't own — this exclusion is never mentioned in popular PM-KUSUM guides.
Fix: Confirm land title is in your name before starting. If land is in a family member's name, the family member must apply.
Applying for Component C instead of Component B
Component C is for grid-connected farms. Many applicants choose C thinking it applies more broadly. Component B is the off-grid standalone pump scheme — the one you want if your farm has no grid connection.
Fix: Double-check which component you are selecting on the state portal form. Component B = standalone solar pump, no grid required.
Not confirming bank participation before applying
The scheme requires a bank loan for 30% of the benchmark cost. Banks in some districts do not participate in PM-KUSUM lending or impose collateral requirements beyond the scheme's terms. A rejected bank loan voids your approved application.
Fix: Visit your district bank branch (NABARD or nationalised bank) before submitting. Confirm they participate in PM-KUSUM lending and ask about their collateral requirements.
Applying on the last day of the window
Most states run first-come-first-served allocation within each quarterly window. Applicants who apply on day one of an open window are processed first. Applicants on the last day may find the window's quota already exhausted.
Fix: Set a calendar reminder for the expected window opening. Apply on day one.
Assuming the scheme will drill a borewell
PM-KUSUM provides the solar pump, not the water source. An existing working borewell or open well is required. Farmers who assume borewell drilling is included are unpleasantly surprised when the vendor arrives and finds no water source to connect the pump to.
Fix: Confirm you have an existing, working borewell at the farm before applying. Borewell drilling is a separate cost (Rs 80,000–3 lakh depending on depth).
Oversizing the HP request
Farmers sometimes apply for the maximum scheme HP (7.5 HP) when a 3 HP pump would meet their actual irrigation need. Larger pumps have higher benchmark costs — meaning a larger bank loan and a larger out-of-pocket contribution.
Fix: Calculate your actual daily water requirement and choose the smallest HP pump that meets that need. A pump consultant at your state agriculture office can help size correctly.
Not planning irrigation season around the 14–20 month timeline
Farmers who apply in June expecting a pump before the Kharif season are disappointed — and continue paying diesel costs for 14–20 months. The timeline is not negotiable.
Fix: Apply as early as possible. Plan at least one full agricultural season before you will have the working solar pump.
Not adding a USPC to the application
The Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) allows off-season use of the solar array for general electrical loads. Adoption is below 1% because no one mentions it. It is available as an add-on at the application stage — not after installation.
Fix: Explicitly ask your state agency about USPC availability when submitting your application. Add it if available in your state.
Paying an agent to apply 'faster'
No agent or broker can speed up the PM-KUSUM process — the queue is managed by the state agency, not by any intermediary. Agents offering faster processing take your money, submit your application at the normal pace (if at all), and sometimes submit to fraudulent portals.
Fix: Apply yourself through the official state portal. The application form is simple. If you need help, visit your state agriculture or energy department office in person — this service is free.
Fraud and Scam Warnings
MNRE Has Issued Multiple Official Fraud Warnings
Fraudulent websites impersonate the PM-KUSUM scheme and collect advance registration payments. The official application process charges zero fees at every step. MNRE has explicitly named fraudulent domains in public press releases and scheme communications.
kusumyojanaonline.in.net
pmkisankusumyojana.co.in
Do not visit, register on, or pay any site that is not a .gov.in domain or linked directly from pmkusum.mnre.gov.in.
- Any website asking for advance payment, registration fee, or processing fee is fraudulent — zero fees at any stage
- The vendor assignment is done by the state agency — no private agent, broker, or consultant is involved in this process
- MNRE, state agencies, and banks will never call you asking for payment to process your application
- Verify the .gov.in domain extension before entering any personal information on any website
- If you have already paid a fraudulent site: report to MNRE helpline 1800-180-3333 and your local cyber crime cell
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PM-KUSUM scheme and who qualifies?
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a central government scheme that subsidises solar irrigation pumps for farmers. Component B — the most relevant for most farmers — covers standalone off-grid solar pumps up to 7.5 HP (15 HP in special category states). You qualify if you are a registered farmer with documented land ownership, your farmland lacks a grid electricity connection, and you have not received PM-KUSUM benefits in the past 7 years.
What is the difference between PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar?
PM-KUSUM targets farmers — it funds off-grid solar pumps on agricultural land with no grid connection. PM Surya Ghar targets homeowners — it funds rooftop solar on grid-connected homes to reduce electricity bills. A farmer who owns both a farm (no grid) and a home (grid-connected) may legitimately apply for both schemes separately.
How much subsidy will I get under PM-KUSUM Component B?
In general states, the central government pays 30% and most states add another 30%, leaving the farmer to cover 10% from pocket and 30% via bank loan. In special category states (Northeast, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K, Ladakh, islands), the central share is 50% and state share 30%, so the farmer's out-of-pocket contribution drops to as low as 20%. The actual farmer cost for a 3 HP pump in general states: Rs 18,000–25,000.
Can tenant farmers or sharecroppers apply for PM-KUSUM?
No. PM-KUSUM Component B requires documented land ownership (Khasra-Khatauni records). Tenant farmers and sharecroppers who cultivate leased land are effectively excluded — an estimated 2.4 crore farmers in practice. No competitor content mentions this disqualifier, but it is a hard barrier in the application process.
How long does it take to get a PM-KUSUM solar pump installed?
The realistic total timeline from application to working pump is 14–20 months: 30–120 days for processing and approval, plus a 12–18 month installation window. Competitors say 'apply online' without mentioning the timeline. Budget for at least one full agricultural season of waiting before your pump is operational.
What is PM-KUSUM 2.0 and should I wait for it?
PM-KUSUM 2.0 is the next phase expected to launch Q2 FY27 (after March 31, 2026). It adds a 10 GW agrivoltaics component (solar panels over crops) and a Rs 50,000 crore budget. If your state portal is currently accepting applications, do NOT wait — apply now. PM-KUSUM 2.0 timelines and eligibility rules are not yet confirmed.
How do I know if a PM-KUSUM website is official or a scam?
The only legitimate national portal is pmkusum.mnre.gov.in. State portals are linked from there. Confirmed fraudulent domains include kusumyojanaonline.in.net and pmkisankusumyojana.co.in. The application process is completely free — any website asking for advance payment is a scam. Report fraud to MNRE helpline 1800-180-3333 or pmkusum-mnre@gov.in.
What documents do I need to apply for PM-KUSUM Component B?
Required documents: Aadhaar card, land ownership records (Khasra-Khatauni), bank account details linked to Aadhaar, a photograph, caste certificate (if applicable for priority status), and confirmation that your land lacks a grid electricity connection. Documents vary slightly by state — check your state portal for the exact list.
Which states have the best PM-KUSUM implementation in 2026?
Maharashtra leads nationally with over 4.57 lakh Component B installations and year-round application windows. Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan also have mature programmes with active portals. Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal have been named laggard states by the Parliamentary Standing Committee (February 2025) — application windows in these states are irregular.
Can farmer producer organisations (FPOs) apply for PM-KUSUM?
Yes. PM-KUSUM Component B allows applications from individual farmers, groups of farmers, water user associations (WUAs), cooperatives, panchayats, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Group applications can aggregate smaller landholdings to meet area requirements. The subsidy structure and eligibility conditions remain the same — each beneficiary within a group must individually meet land ownership and off-grid criteria.
Key Takeaways
- PM-KUSUM Component B covers solar irrigation pumps for farmers on off-grid agricultural land — not homes, not grid-connected farms.
- In general states: farmer pays ~10% out-of-pocket (Rs 18,000–25,000 for a 3 HP pump) plus 30% bank loan — government pays 60%.
- In special category states (NE, hill states, islands): farmer contribution drops to max 20%, pump capacity expands to 15 HP.
- Three disqualifiers competitors never mention: tenant farmers (no land title), 7-year reapplication bar, groundwater dark zones.
- Apply now — do not wait for PM-KUSUM 2.0; 2.0 eligibility and timelines are not yet confirmed.
- Total application-to-pump timeline: 14–20 months. Plan your irrigation season accordingly.
- The application is completely free — any payment demand at any stage is fraud.
- Use only pmkusum.mnre.gov.in and official .gov.in state portals — fraudulent sites appear in Google results.
- Ask your state agency about the USPC option — it allows year-round value from your solar array.
- The 29% bank loan rejection rate is real — proactively coordinate with your district bank branch before applying.
Also Useful for Indian Farmers and Off-Grid Homesteads
Sources
All figures in this guide are sourced from official government portals or peer-reviewed agricultural research. Accessed March 2026.
- •MNRE PM-KUSUM Official Page
- •PM-KUSUM National Portal — State Portal Directory
- •MyScheme.gov.in — PM-KUSUM Eligibility Listing
- •SBI — PM-KUSUM Component B & C Finance Details
- •MNRE Live Portal FAQ
- •Assam AEDA — Component B Implementation
- •Parliamentary Standing Committee Report on MNRE (February 2025)
- •IBEF — PM-KUSUM Scheme Overview with Component Breakdown