The government has issued crucial guidelines for farmers intending to apply for solar pumps under COMPONENT-B of the PM-KUSUM Scheme. Farmers are advised to carefully review the scheme document before submitting their applications to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and other requirements.
Key Instructions:
- Ineligibility Criteria:
- Farmers and their family members who already have an electric motor connection from PSPCL for irrigation cannot apply under this scheme.
- Farmers and their family members who have previously installed solar pumps of 3HP and above capacity are not eligible to apply.
- Application Guidelines:
- Any application containing incorrect information will be rejected, and the funds deposited may be forfeited or deducted as per the scheme’s provisions.
- The application submission process for each category will automatically close once the required number of applications is received.
- Eligibility for Dark Zone Areas:
- Panchayats and farmers from dark zone areas can apply only if they are using micro irrigation systems or lifting water from village ponds/farm ponds that are filled with canal or river water.
Application Details for Different Categories:
| Sr. | Category | Applications to be Submitted | Pumps to be Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| 2 | SC | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| 3 | Panchayat | 3,000 | 3,000 |
Farmers are encouraged to adhere strictly to the instructions while applying for solar pumps to avoid rejection and ensure smooth processing of their applications.
Benefits and Limitations of Solar Pumps
Benefits:
- Solar pumps work during the day, eliminating the need for night-time operation.
- No fuel costs as they operate using sunlight.
- No dependence on conventional electricity or diesel fuel.
- No need for long transmission lines, reducing transmission losses.
- Easy to operate and maintain, with a long operating life.
- Highly reliable and environmentally friendly.
Limitations:
- Solar pumps do not function efficiently on cloudy or foggy days.
- Water output fluctuates based on the intensity of solar radiation.
- Solar panels require regular cleaning, as dust accumulation reduces water output.
