PM KUSUM-B: Karnataka saves ₹200 crore annually after installation of 27,700 solar-powered pump sets
Karnataka has successfully installed over 27,700 solar-powered agricultural pump sets under the PM KUSUM-B scheme, resulting in significant annual savings for the state. The initiative aims to reduce grid dependency and lower electricity subsidies for farmers.
Why it matters
This program demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning agricultural infrastructure to renewable energy sources.
More than one lakh farmers have applied for installation of standalone solar-powered agricultural pump sets under the PM KUSUM-B scheme, giving a significant boost to Karnataka’s power sector, said the Energy Department.
More than 27,700 solar agricultural pump sets have already been installed across the State, reducing the demand from the power grid by nearly 144 MW and saving around ₹200 crore annually by reducing the electricity subsidy paid for agricultural pump sets. These pump sets are also expected to prevent the purchase of 240 million units of electricity every year, resulting in annual power purchase savings of about ₹146 crore for Escoms.
It further stated that the receipt of over one lakh applications reflects the growing confidence of farmers in adopting solar-powered irrigation. After installation of more than 27,700 standalone solar-powered pump sets, the State is moving towards the target installation of 40,000 pump sets.
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