Q. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, consider the following statements:
1.It aims to enhance the use of solar energy for irrigation and reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel and kerosene.
2.Risk-free income through the sale of surplus solar energy is a benefit of the scheme for farmers.
3.The purpose of the Feeder Level Solarisation (FLS) component of the PM-KUSUM scheme is to install standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps.
4.Installation of new solar pumps is not allowed in dark zones/areas notified by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. The PM-KUSUM scheme is designed to replace high-cost diesel pumps with solar energy, thus reducing farmers’ reliance on diesel and providing a more reliable power source for irrigation. Farmers can sell surplus solar power generated under the scheme to distribution companies (DISCOMs), providing them with an additional income stream. The installation of new solar pumps is not permitted in dark zones, which are areas with depleted groundwater levels as notified by the CGWB.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Feeder Level Solarisation (FLS) component, which is part of Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme, is actually aimed at solarizing grid-connected agricultural pumps at the feeder level. This involves installing solar power plants to provide daytime reliable solar power to entire feeders that serve agricultural pumps.
Source: The Hindu
