Union Minister Pralhad Joshi indicates the imminent launch of PM-KUSUM Phase-II, featuring a strategic focus on agrivoltaics to blend farming with solar power generation.

  • PM-KUSUM 2.0 announcement expected shortly by the Prime Minister.
  • New dedicated component for Agrivoltaics (combining farming and solar).
  • Strategic focus on small/marginal farmers, FPOs, and Panchayats.
  • Call for deeper research on crop-specific solar suitability.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has revealed that the second phase of the flagship PM-KUSUM scheme is likely to be announced soon. Speaking on the sidelines of the seventh Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026, the Minister expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would officially launch the initiative shortly.

The hallmark of PM-KUSUM 2.0 will be the introduction of a dedicated component for Agrivoltaics. This innovative approach involves the simultaneous use of land for both solar power generation and agricultural production. By elevating solar panels, farmers can continue to grow crops underneath, effectively utilizing the land for dual purposes.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this shift represents a transition from simple 'solarization' to 'integrated energy-farming'. While Phase-I focused on replacing diesel pumps with solar, Phase-II aims to turn farms into energy hubs. This is critical for India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions while ensuring that agricultural land is not sacrificed for energy infrastructure.

"One formula cannot work everywhere; we need a deeper study to understand what works best for different crops, climate and regions."

Minister Joshi emphasized the necessity of rigorous research, urging stakeholders and scientists to study the suitability of agrivoltaic applications across diverse geographical regions and climatic zones. The goal is to prevent negative impacts on crop yields and instead leverage the shading effect of panels to optimize moisture retention.

Historical Background: What is PM-KUSUM?

Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was designed to de-dieselize the farm sector. The original scheme focused on three main pillars: installing decentralized solar power plants, providing standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps, and the solarization of existing grid-connected pumps.

Feature PM-KUSUM 1.0 PM-KUSUM 2.0 (Proposed)
Primary Focus Solar Pumps & Grid Solarization Agrivoltaics & Integrated Farming
Technology Standalone Solar Installations Hybrid Solar-Agricultural Systems
Target Group General Farmers Marginal Farmers, FPOs, & Panchayats
Did You Know?: Agrivoltaics can actually increase the yield of shade-loving crops and reduce water evaporation by protecting the soil from direct midday sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is Agrivoltaics?
It is the practice of installing solar panels at a height or spacing that allows agricultural crops to be grown underneath, creating a synergistic relationship between energy and food production.

2. Who will benefit from PM-KUSUM 2.0?
The scheme specifically targets small and marginal farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and village panchayats to ensure inclusive growth.