- 01What is the solar pump subsidy in India?
- 02PM-KUSUM scheme — how the subsidy works
- 03State-wise subsidy breakdown — 15 states
- 04Who is eligible for solar pump subsidy?
- 05What is covered and what is not
- 06How to apply — step-by-step process
- 07Common reasons for subsidy rejection
- 08Frequently asked questions
What Is the Solar Pump Subsidy in India?
The solar pump subsidy in India is a government financial support programme that reduces the cost of installing a solar-powered water pump for farmers. Under this programme, the government pays 60% to 90% of the total system cost — including solar panels, pump motor, controller, structure, installation, and 5-year maintenance — leaving the farmer to pay only 10% to 40% depending on the state.
The primary national scheme delivering this subsidy is PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan). Launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), PM-KUSUM Component B specifically targets the replacement of diesel and electric agricultural pumps with solar pumps across India, with a national target of 20 lakh installations.
PM-KUSUM Scheme — How the Subsidy Works
PM-KUSUM operates through a three-tier subsidy structure. Understanding how money flows from the central government to the farmer is important — especially for dealers and contractors who receive subsidy payments directly from the state nodal agency.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | PM-KUSUM — Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan |
| Relevant component | Component B — standalone solar pumps for agriculture |
| National target | 20 lakh solar pumps across India |
| Central subsidy | 60% of MNRE benchmark cost — fixed for all states |
| State subsidy | 30% in most states — varies by state |
| Farmer contribution | 10% in most states — varies 10% to 40% |
| Pump capacity | 3 HP to 10 HP — submersible and surface types |
| Implementing body | State Nodal Agencies under MNRE |
| Vendor payment | Subsidy paid directly to empanelled vendor — not to farmer |
| Primary eligibility | Small and marginal farmers up to 2 hectares land holding |
How the money actually flows:
MNRE releases central funds to state government
Central government allocates 60% subsidy funds to state government for the financial year. State adds its own 30% share.
State nodal agency issues tender to empanelled vendors
The nodal agency (RRECL, UPNEDA, GEDA etc.) issues tender for solar pumps. Only empanelled vendors with BIS-certified products can participate.
Farmer registers and gets allocated to a vendor
Eligible farmer applies on state portal. Nodal agency verifies eligibility and allocates farmer to an empanelled vendor in their district.
Farmer pays 10% directly to the vendor
Farmer pays their share (typically ₹35,000 for 5HP) directly to the vendor. Vendor proceeds with supply and installation.
Vendor installs and submits verification
Vendor installs the complete system. Nodal agency field team inspects and verifies installation quality and specification compliance.
Vendor receives 90% subsidy from nodal agency
After successful verification, nodal agency releases the 90% subsidy portion directly to the vendor's bank account within 30 to 60 days.
State-wise Subsidy Breakdown — 15 States
Solar pump subsidy percentage and eligibility criteria vary by state. Some states top up the central 60% with an additional 30%, making the farmer's share just 10%. Others contribute less, requiring farmers to pay more.
Who Is Eligible for Solar Pump Subsidy?
Eligibility criteria for PM-KUSUM Component B are defined by MNRE and implemented by state nodal agencies. Meeting the basic criteria is necessary but not sufficient — states also prioritise applications based on additional local criteria.
| Eligibility Criterion | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Land holding | Farmer must have agricultural land | No minimum size — even small holdings qualify |
| Priority category | Small & marginal farmers (up to 2 hectares) get priority | Larger holdings can apply but may be waitlisted |
| Water source | Borewell, open well, pond, or canal on/near farm | Surface water farmers can apply for surface pump |
| Existing pump | Diesel or electric pump preferred | Converting from diesel strengthens application |
| State residency | Must be resident of the state applying in | Aadhar-linked address verification required |
| Bank account | Active bank account linked to Aadhar | Subsidy verification uses Aadhar-bank linkage |
| No duplicate | Must not have received solar pump under any previous scheme | Checked against state database |
| Land documents | Khasra, Khatauni, or equivalent land record | Required at time of application |
What Is Covered and What Is Not
| Component | Covered? | Subsidy Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar panels | ✓ Yes | 60–90% of benchmark | BIS CRS certified only |
| Pump motor (BLDC/AC) | ✓ Yes | 60–90% of benchmark | IS 8034/9079 certified |
| MPPT controller/VFD | ✓ Yes | 60–90% of benchmark | IP65 rated |
| Mounting structure | ✓ Yes | 60–90% of benchmark | Hot-dip galvanised steel |
| Wiring and cabling | ✓ Yes | Included in benchmark | Within system scope |
| Installation charges | ✓ Yes | Included in benchmark | Up to site commissioning |
| 5-year AMC | ✓ Yes | Mandatory inclusion | Covers service and parts |
| Battery storage | ✗ No | 0% — buyer pays full | Not in MNRE benchmark |
| Borewell drilling | ✗ No | 0% — buyer pays full | Site preparation excluded |
| Civil work / tank | ✗ No | 0% — buyer pays full | Storage infrastructure excluded |
| Transportation | ✓ Yes | Within installation cost | Up to site only |
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Process
The application process for solar pump subsidy in India is managed entirely by the state nodal agency. There is no direct application to MNRE. Here is the process for most states.
Check your state nodal agency portal
Visit your state's nodal agency website — RRECL for Rajasthan, UPNEDA for UP, GEDA for Gujarat. Look for 'PM-KUSUM Component B' or 'Solar Pump Scheme' registration link. Application windows open periodically — bookmark the page and check monthly.
Register as a farmer beneficiary
Fill the online registration form with: Aadhar number, mobile number, land details (khasra/khatauni number), bank account details, existing pump details (if any), and borewell/water source information. Most states require Aadhar-OTP verification.
Upload required documents
Documents typically required: Aadhar card, land ownership proof (khasra/khatauni), bank passbook copy, passport photo, and caste certificate (for SC/ST priority). Some states also require a water source photo or borewell depth certificate.
Wait for empanelment and vendor allocation
Nodal agency reviews applications and allocates eligible farmers to empanelled vendors in their district. This process takes 2 to 8 weeks depending on the state and current application load. You receive an SMS or portal notification when allocated.
Pay your contribution (10%) to the allocated vendor
Once allocated, contact the assigned vendor. Pay your 10% share (typically ₹35,000 for 5HP) before installation begins. Get a receipt — you will need this for any future subsidy-related queries. Do not pay before receiving official vendor allocation.
Installation and inspection
The vendor installs the complete solar pump system at your farm. A nodal agency field inspector verifies the installation against specifications. Keep your land and Aadhar documents ready for the inspection visit.
Receive installation certificate
After successful inspection, you receive an installation certificate from the nodal agency. This document confirms your solar pump is under the government scheme and activates your 5-year warranty and AMC coverage. Store it safely.
Common Reasons for Subsidy Rejection or Delay
| Issue | Why It Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhar-bank mismatch | Name or date of birth in bank records does not match Aadhar. | Visit your bank to update records to match Aadhar before applying. |
| Duplicate application | Same Aadhar already linked to a previous solar pump scheme installation. | Check state portal for existing registrations before applying. |
| Land record mismatch | Khasra number on application does not match state land records database. | Verify your khasra number at the tehsil office before submitting. |
| Incorrect product specification | Installed pump does not match MNRE specification — wrong HP, missing certification. | Verify vendor's product BIS and MNRE certifications before installation. |
| Inspection failure | Nodal agency inspector finds discrepancy between installed system and specification. | Request specification sheet from vendor and compare before accepting installation. |
| Vendor empanelment lapsed | Allocated vendor's empanelment expired before installation was completed. | Verify vendor empanelment validity date before paying your contribution. |
| Delayed disbursement — not rejection | State treasury releases subsidy in batches — individual delays are common. | Follow up with nodal agency after 60 days if subsidy payment to vendor delayed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much subsidy is available on solar pumps in India 2026?+
Under PM-KUSUM Component B, the central government provides 60% subsidy on the MNRE benchmark cost. Most states add a further 30%, giving a total subsidy of 90%. The farmer pays only 10% — approximately ₹35,000 for a 5HP system benchmarked at ₹3.5 lakh. Some states like Punjab contribute only 20%, requiring a 20% farmer share.
How to get solar pump subsidy in India?+
Apply directly on your state nodal agency's official website — RRECL for Rajasthan, UPNEDA for UP, GEDA for Gujarat, MPUVNL for MP, and so on. Registration is free. You will need your Aadhar card, land records (khasra/khatauni), and bank account linked to Aadhar. After approval, you are allocated to an empanelled vendor and pay your 10% share directly to them.
Is solar pump subsidy available in all states of India?+
Yes — PM-KUSUM Component B is a central scheme active in all states. However, the state's additional contribution (10–30%) varies. States like Rajasthan, MP, UP, Karnataka, and Bihar offer the maximum 90% subsidy. Some northeastern states and UTs may have different implementation timelines or limited tender cycles.
Can I apply for solar pump subsidy online?+
Yes — all state nodal agencies have online portals for farmer registration. The application, document upload, and allocation process is entirely online. Physical visits to the nodal agency office are not required for the application. However, a field inspection visit does happen at the time of installation verification.
What documents are required for solar pump subsidy?+
Standard documents required: Aadhar card, mobile number linked to Aadhar, land ownership proof (khasra/khatauni or patta), bank passbook copy showing Aadhar-linked account, passport-size photograph, and caste certificate for SC/ST category applicants. Some states additionally require borewell depth certificate or water source photograph.
How long does it take to get the solar pump after applying for subsidy?+
Timeline from application to installation varies by state and current demand. In active states like Rajasthan and MP during peak tender cycles, allocation happens in 4 to 8 weeks after successful registration. Installation follows within 2 to 4 weeks of vendor allocation and farmer payment. Total timeline from application to commissioning is typically 2 to 4 months.
State Nodal Agency Quick Reference
| State | Nodal Agency | Official Portal | Apply For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | RRECL | rrecl.com | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Uttar Pradesh | UPNEDA | upneda.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Madhya Pradesh | MPUVNL | mpuvnl.nic.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Gujarat | GEDA | geda.gujarat.gov.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Maharashtra | MAHAURJA | mahaurja.com | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Karnataka | KREDL | kredlinfo.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Haryana | HAREDA | hareda.gov.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Punjab | PEDA | peda.gov.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Andhra Pradesh | NREDCAP | nredcap.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Telangana | TSREDCO | tsredco.telangana.gov.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Bihar | BREDA | breda.bih.nic.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Chhattisgarh | CREDA | creda.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Jharkhand | JREDA | jreda.com | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Odisha | OREDA | oreda.gov.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
| Tamil Nadu | TEDA | teda.in | PM-KUSUM Component B |
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