The Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department has proposed a subsidy scheme under the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) initiative to support farmers in installing solar-powered irrigation pumps.
According to the draft, small and marginal farmers will receive a 90% subsidy, while large farmers will be eligible for up to 80% of the total cost. Farmers would be required to cover the remaining amount. The proposal is set to be presented before the state cabinet for approval.
Farmers will need to arrange for boring themselves, while the motor and solar panels will be installed by approved vendors. The estimated cost for a 2 HP solar pump is around ₹1.8 lakh, and for a 5 HP pump, about ₹4.8 lakh. Currently, solar pumps receive a 60% subsidy. The proposed increase is intended to promote cleaner irrigation methods and reduce dependence on electricity and diesel.
As per official data, over 79,000 solar pumps have already been installed in the state between 2017 and 2024.
The target for 2025–26 is to install 45,000 additional pumps.
Interested farmers must register on the Agriculture Department’s portal under the PM-KUSUM section. Allocation will be based on a first-come, first-served or lottery system, with selection committees formed at both district and state levels.
