The Karnataka government is now planning to initiate talks with the Central government to begin the implementation of PM - KUSUM A scheme in the State.
Currently, the KUSUM-B scheme (solar-powered agricultural pump sets) and the KUSUM-C scheme (solarisation of agricultural feeders) have been implemented while the A scheme - designed to promote local generation and consumption of solar power, particularly among farmers and rural communities - is yet to begin.
Speaking at the Taluk Agricultural Produce Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd’s Amrit Mahotsav event in Chikkamagaluru district, Energy Minister K.J. George said on Tuesday, “The KUSUM-A scheme allows farmers, farmer groups, cooperative societies, panchayats, farmer produce organisations, and water user associations to set up solar power plants with capacities ranging from 500 kilowatts to a maximum of 2 megawatts, located within 5 kilometres of electricity substations. They can use the electricity generated, and the government will purchase any surplus. This initiative will help address power shortages and provide farmers with additional income. In this regard, discussions will be held with Union Ministers.”
He also said that the Central government has approved the installation of 40,000 pump sets in the State under the KUSUM - B scheme by the end of December.
Published - April 22, 2025 08:43 pm IST
