Source: The Hindu
Context
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the second phase of PM-KUSUM is likely to be announced shortly — speaking at the curtain raiser for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026.
What Agrivoltaics Is
- Combining agricultural activity with solar power generation on the same land
- Panels are mounted raised or spaced so crops grow beneath or between them
- The land yields both a crop and electricity, instead of one or the other
About PM-KUSUM
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, launched 2019
- Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Three components:
- Component A — decentralised ground-mounted grid-connected solar plants on barren or fallow farmland, up to 2 MW each
- Component B — installation of standalone solar pumps to replace diesel pumps
- Component C — solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, including feeder-level solarisation
Important Facts for Exams
- PM-KUSUM launched 2019, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; full form: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
- PM-KUSUM 2.0 to add a dedicated agrivoltaics component
- Union Minister, New and Renewable Energy: Pralhad Joshi
- Agriculture accounts for a large share of India’s subsidised power consumption; solar pumps cut both the subsidy burden and diesel use
- India’s solar capacity rose from about 3 GW (2016) to over 160 GW (mid-2026)
- Related: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar), PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (floating solar, ₹5,070 crore, 5,000 MW), National Solar Mission
