PM-KUSUM 2.0 May Integrate Farm Schemes to Boost Farmers’ Income.

Government explores modern irrigation, remunerative crops and agrivoltaics under the next phase of its solar-powered agriculture initiative   The government is considering expanding PM-KUSUM 2.0 by aligning the renewable energy scheme with existing agricultural programmes to increase farmers’ income and promote modern irrigation practices. Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said the Ministries of New and Renewable Energy and Agriculture are working together on the proposed framework, which will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval once finalised. The existing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) promotes solar power plants, standalone solar pumps and solarisation of grid-connected agricultural pumps. It also enables farmers to sell surplus electricity to distribution companies. The next phase may introduce agrivoltaics, allowing farmers to cultivate crops and generate solar power on the same land. The initiative is expected to benefit small and marginal farmers, farmer producer organisations, cooperatives and panchayats while preserving land ownership. The proposed changes aim to connect clean energy adoption with improved irrigation, more profitable crop choices and greater economic benefits for the agricultural sector.