India to Promote PM-KUSUM Solar Scheme in Africa, island nations
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) plans to replicate India’s solar pumps initiative, known as the PM-Kusum (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) scheme across developing nations, especially in Africa and small island states, according to Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, who is also President of the ISA Assembly. The main goal here is to enhance energy access in rural areas and boost agricultural productivity by harnessing solar power.
Overview of PM-KUSUM Programme
PM-KUSUM, which stands for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan, was launched back in 2019 with a hefty budget of ₹34,000 crore. The scheme aims to set up 100 GW of solar power plants on land owned by farmers. Additionally, it plans to install 14 lakh solar pumps and solarize 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps. The overarching aim is to increase the use of solar energy in farming and lessen farmers’ reliance on fossil fuels.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme was launched in March 2019. The scheme aims to provide energy and water security to farmers, increase their income, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the farm sector. The scheme targets 100 GW of solar power plants on farmer-owned land. It also aims to install 14 lakh solar pumps and solarise 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
Initially, the target was to achieve 308 GW of solar capacity by 2022, but this was later adjusted to 348 GW by March 2026. As of September 2025, the progress has been mixed across different components. Approximately 70% of standalone solar pumps have been installed, but only 6% of decentralized grid-connected power plants and between 16% to 25% of grid-connected solar pumps are up and running.
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi has hinted that the scheme might extend beyond 2026. The installation of standalone solar pumps is seen as a success, and officials are optimistic that the targets will soon be met. The government is now focusing on revitalizing the grid-connected segments to speed up progress.