Farmers Need PM-KUSUM Subsidies to Share the Solar Boom

Gist India's rapid solar capacity expansion has largely bypassed the agricultural sector due to structural flaws in the PM-KUSUM scheme, which lacks the capital subsidies offered to urban rooftop projects. Experts argue for an immediate policy shift towards Agri-Photovoltaics Agri-PV —installing elevated solar panels over cultivated fields—supported by targeted subsidies and cooperative models. For a UPSC aspirant, understanding this transition is crucial for linking renewable energy targets with the broader goals of doubling farmer income, maximizing land use, and resolving the chronic financial distress of state power distribution companies. Background Utility-Scale Solar Model : The dominant mode of India's solar expansion relies on ground-mounted solar parks built on degraded or government-provided land, prioritized for their rapid and cost-efficient deployment. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana : A centralized scheme aimed at bringing rooftop solar to 1 crore households by providing significant upfront capital subsidies e.g., Rs 78,000 for a 3-kW system, augmented by state subsidies , making it highly attractive to urban consumers. PM-KUSUM Scheme Component A : Designed to benefit farmers, this component allows the setting up of solar…