KUSUM Yojana 2026: Solar Pump Subsidy, Eligibility & Application Guide

The Short Answer

PM-KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is the central government's flagship scheme to solarise Indian agriculture. Under Component B, farmers get 60% subsidy (30% central + 30% state) on standalone solar pumps up to 7.5 HP. Several states add top-ups that bring the farmer's share down to just 10%. The scheme targets 35 lakh solar pumps across India by 2026.

Three Components of PM-KUSUM

KUSUM has three distinct components targeting different aspects of agricultural solar adoption:

ComponentWhat It DoesFor Whom
A10 GW solar power plants on barren/fallow land (0.5–2 MW each)Farmers/cooperatives selling power to DISCOM
BStandalone solar pumps up to 7.5 HPIndividual farmers replacing diesel/grid pumps
CSolarise existing grid-connected pumpsFarmers with existing grid pumps; sell surplus solar to DISCOM

Component B is the most relevant for farmers looking to buy a new solar pump. Component C is for those who already have a grid-connected pump and want to add solar panels to reduce their electricity bill and earn income from surplus power.

Component B: Standalone Solar Pump Subsidy

This is the primary subsidy path for farmers buying a new solar pump:

DetailValue
Eligible pump sizeUp to 7.5 HP
Central subsidy30% of benchmark cost
State subsidy30% of benchmark cost
Farmer share40% (can be financed via bank loan)
Eligible pump typesSubmersible, surface, BLDC, AC
Must useMNRE-empanelled vendor and BIS-approved components

Example: A 5 HP pump with benchmark cost ₹2,50,000 → central subsidy ₹75,000 + state subsidy ₹75,000 = farmer pays ₹1,00,000. In states with extra top-ups, farmer pays ₹25,000–₹50,000.

State-Wise KUSUM Subsidy Rates

State governments set their own top-up subsidies above the 30% central share. Here are the effective farmer shares in major states:

StateFarmer ShareNotes
Rajasthan10–40%Most generous — SC/ST farmers pay 10%
Madhya Pradesh10–40%Extra subsidy for small/marginal farmers
Uttar Pradesh15–40%UP Solar Pump scheme adds to KUSUM
Maharashtra20–40%Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump adds top-up
Gujarat20–40%Strong implementation, fast processing
Karnataka30–40%Standard 30% state + 30% central
Punjab / Haryana25–40%State top-ups for paddy regions
Tamil Nadu30–40%TEDA scheme complements KUSUM

Rates as of 2025–26. SC/ST and small/marginal farmers get extra concessions in most states.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Individual farmers with agricultural land and a valid land ownership record (7/12 extract, patta, khatauni)
  • Farmer groups / cooperatives can apply jointly for community borewells
  • Existing diesel or electric pump — replacement with solar is prioritised (but not mandatory)
  • No existing solar pump — one subsidised solar pump per farmer family
  • Water source — must have an existing borewell, open well, or other water source suitable for the pump

Not eligible: Non-agricultural land, urban residential properties, commercial/industrial users, and anyone who has already received a KUSUM solar pump.

Documents Required

  1. Aadhaar card — for identity verification and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
  2. Land record — 7/12 extract (Maharashtra), khatauni/khasra (UP/MP), patta/chitta (TN), RoR (Karnataka/Rajasthan)
  3. Bank account details — for subsidy disbursement (must be linked to Aadhaar)
  4. Passport-size photograph
  5. Existing pump details — if replacing a diesel/electric pump (make, HP, electricity consumer number)
  6. Borewell/well details — depth, diameter, location coordinates
  7. Caste certificate — for SC/ST/OBC candidates seeking extra subsidy

Your empanelled dealer typically helps with form filling and document compilation as part of the service.

Application Process: Step by Step

  1. Register online — visit your state's KUSUM portal (e.g., kusum.rajasthan.gov.in, pmkusum.mnre.gov.in) or the national portal. Fill in farmer details, land info, and pump requirements.
  2. Document verification — the state nodal agency (agriculture/renewable energy department) verifies your land records and eligibility.
  3. Vendor selection — choose an MNRE-empanelled vendor from the approved list. Compare quotes from 2–3 vendors for the best price within the benchmark cost.
  4. Pay farmer share — deposit your share (10–40% of benchmark cost) with the implementing agency or directly to the vendor as per state process.
  5. Installation — the empanelled vendor installs the solar pump system (panels, controller, pump) within 60–90 days of approval.
  6. Inspection and commissioning — state agency inspects the installation, verifies all components are as per MNRE specifications.
  7. Subsidy release — after successful inspection, the government releases the subsidy amount to the vendor. You do not handle the subsidy money directly.

Timeline: 3–6 months from application to running pump, depending on state backlog and vendor availability.

Common Questions About the Application

  • Can I choose my own vendor? — You must select from the MNRE-empanelled vendor list for your state. Solar Vipani helps you identify empanelled dealers in your district.
  • Can I get a bank loan for my share? — Yes. NABARD and commercial banks offer loans at subsidised interest (7–9%) for the farmer's share. Some states arrange financing through farmer cooperatives.
  • What if my borewell fails after installation? — The pump can be moved to a new borewell. The subsidy is on the equipment, not the borewell location.
  • Can I upgrade to a larger pump later? — KUSUM is a one-time benefit per farmer. If you need a larger pump, you will need to purchase the upgrade at full cost. Choose the right HP from the start — our sizing guide helps.

Get Help with Your KUSUM Application

Solar Vipani connects you with KUSUM-empanelled dealers who handle the entire process — from application to installation to inspection. Fill one form and get connected with verified dealers in your district.

Get free solar pump quotes + KUSUM application support →

Common questions

What is the KUSUM Yojana subsidy for solar pumps?
Under PM-KUSUM Component B, farmers get 60% subsidy (30% central + 30% state) on standalone solar pumps up to 7.5 HP. Several states add top-ups that reduce the farmer share to 10–25%. SC/ST and small farmers get additional concessions in most states.
Who is eligible for KUSUM Yojana?
Any individual farmer with agricultural land and a valid land ownership document is eligible. The farmer must have a water source (borewell, open well) and should not have already received a subsidised solar pump under KUSUM. Farmer groups and cooperatives can also apply.
How do I apply for KUSUM Yojana?
Register on your state's KUSUM portal or the national pmkusum.mnre.gov.in portal. Submit land documents, Aadhaar, and bank details. After verification, select an empanelled vendor, pay your share, and the vendor installs the system. The process takes 3–6 months.
Can I get a KUSUM subsidy for a 10 HP pump?
KUSUM Component B covers pumps up to 7.5 HP. For 10 HP, subsidy applies only on the 7.5 HP benchmark cost. The additional cost above 7.5 HP is borne by the farmer. Some states have separate schemes for higher HP pumps.
Is KUSUM Yojana available for home water pumps?
No. KUSUM is exclusively for agricultural pump sets. The farmer must have agricultural land. Home/residential solar pumps do not qualify. Some states have separate domestic solar water pump schemes — check with your state renewable energy department.
How long does the KUSUM application process take?
From application to running pump, the process typically takes 3–6 months. Document verification takes 2–4 weeks, vendor allocation 2–4 weeks, and installation 4–8 weeks. States with high application volumes (Rajasthan, UP) may take longer.