Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged officials to expedite the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Scheme, popularly known as PM-KUSUM in a mission-mode approach, aiming to extend its benefits to a larger number of farmers.
The PM-KUSUM Scheme, primarily designed to ensure energy security for farmers across India aims to increase the share of non-fossil-fuel energy sources to 40 percent by 2030, as outlined in India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
According to a media report, CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted that approximately 51,000 farmers had already received grants for solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme between the financial years 2017-18 and 2022-23 in a meeting. Emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits, he stressed how this initiative significantly cuts costs for farmers while concurrently reducing carbon emissions.
The Chief Minister outlined a target, aiming to facilitate around 30,000 farmers with solar pump facilities in the financial year 2023-24. Additionally, plans are in place to extend this scheme's benefits to 44,250 farmers by 2024-25, reflecting the government's commitment to expanding its reach.
Acknowledging the scheme's popularity and its positive impact on farmers, CM Yogi Adityanath revealed the state government's intentions to potentially increase its allocation to ensure a larger beneficiary base.
Launched in 2019, the PM-KUSUM Scheme operates through three key components catering to renewable energy power plants, standalone solar agricultural pumps, and solarization of grid-connected agricultural pumps. These components aim to empower individual farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, and various farmer organizations to adopt renewable energy sources and enhance agricultural practices.
Furthermore during the meeting, while reviewing the National Agriculture Development Scheme, the CM stressed the imperative involvement of Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) in establishing warehouses at both gram panchayat and block levels. He proposed the establishment of testing laboratories within polyhouses and packhouses to facilitate organic product testing.
Highlighting the necessity of using solar fencing to safeguard agricultural produce from stray animals and wildlife, CM Adityanath reiterated the government's commitment to leveraging sustainable practices for the welfare and progress of the farming community.
