CM Siddaramaiah Announces Plan for 40,000 Solar Pumps Under KUSUM Scheme

Quick Summary

• The Karnataka goverment aims too install 40,000 solar pump sets under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.
• Subsidies for installation: Center provides 30%, State provides 50%, while beneficiaries bear 20% of the cost.
• An additional ₹752 crore will be spent by the State government as part of applications from 27,000 farmers interested in joining the scheme.
• Out of approximately 4.5 lakh illegal irrigation pump (IP) sets in the state, two lakh have been regularized, and officials are exploring measures to include them in PM-KUSUM.
• Budget updates: ₹12,785 crore allocated for IP sets previously; ₹11,720 crore was utilized by February 2025. Currently ₹16,021 crore has been marked for these initiatives.
• Energy Minister K.J.George and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led discussions during an official review meeting about energy-related projects.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Karnataka government’s push to encourage solar-powered pump sets marks a meaningful step towards lasting energy solutions and reduced reliance on diesel-based operations in farming. With high subsidy levels provided jointly by both central and state governments under PM-KUSUM,this initiative aligns closely with India’s broader goals of renewable energy adoption and rural electrification.

Regularizing illegal IP sets further indicates an effort at systematizing existing irregularities while aiming to integrate unorganized users into mainstream schemes such as PM-KUSUM. However, achieving widespread adoption will necessitate effective implementation strategies given farmers must contribute a notable portion (20%) of costs themselves-a factor that could influence participation rates depending on financial accessibility within these communities.While steps appear well-funded with significant budget allocations already outlined up until FY25 or FY26 per reports from CM Siddaramaiah’s briefing sessions remains foundational impacts unfold chiefly dependent upon efficient delivery channels rollout specifics locally affecting uptake scales-audiences covering agriculture committed engage green practicalities inclusive progress narratives positive.”

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