- Component A: grid-connected solar plants of 500 kW to 2 MW on farmers' land, with the power bought by the DISCOM
- Component B: standalone solar pumps for farms off the grid, with central and state support
- Component C: solarising existing grid-connected pumps, individually or by whole agricultural feeders
- 2026: financial closure for Components A and C extended to 30 November 2026; completion by 31 March 2027, with no further extension
- A PM-KUSUM 2.0 with a dedicated agri-PV component has been announced but not yet launched
What PM-KUSUM is
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) was launched in March 2019 to give farmers energy security and an extra income from solar, while cutting the diesel and subsidised grid power used for irrigation. It was scaled up and extended in the years since, and in 2026 it is in its final stretch.
The three components
| Component | What gets built | Who benefits | Support (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Grid-connected ground- or stilt-mounted solar plants of 500 kW to 2 MW on barren, fallow or farm land, usually within 5 km of a substation | Farmers, groups, cooperatives, panchayats, FPOs, and developers on their land | DISCOM buys the power at a pre-fixed tariff; DISCOMs receive a performance-based incentive |
| B | Standalone off-grid solar pumps | Individual farmers | Central support of 30% of benchmark cost (50% in the North-East, hill states and islands), plus state support |
| C | Solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps (individual) or of whole agricultural feeders (feeder-level solarisation) | Farmers on grid-connected pumps; DISCOMs for feeders | Central support of 30% (50% in special-category states) for individual pumps; central support for feeder-level plants |
The 2026 deadlines
| Milestone | Applies to | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Financial closure | Components A and C | 30 November 2026 (extended from 30 September 2026) |
| Completion (commissioning) | Projects with PPA signed or NTP issued on or before 31 December 2025 | 31 March 2027; no further extension, per MNRE |
| Commissioning, individual pumps | Component B and Component C (individual pump solarisation) | 30 September 2026 under the March 2026 revision; check for later updates |
The extension of financial closure was granted because developers had trouble getting loans appraised and sanctioned in time. MNRE has said there will be no extension of the completion deadline beyond 31 March 2027, so projects that are not under construction by early 2027 are at real risk.
What is next: PM-KUSUM 2.0
The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy has said a PM-KUSUM 2.0 will follow, with a dedicated component of about 10 GW for agri-photovoltaics (solar panels raised above crops so that farming and generation share the same land). When this guide was checked the new scheme had not been formally notified, so its support levels and eligibility are not yet known.
Building a Component A or feeder plant: what matters on site
- Land and soil: a soil test decides the pile design; farmland often needs deeper piles than hard ground.
- Evacuation: the distance to the substation and the line route drive cost and approvals.
- Security: chain-link fencing and lighting protect modules on open farmland.
- Domestic content: scheme plants must use DCR modules (see ALMM explained).
- Schedule: with the March 2027 cut-off, piling and structures must start early enough to leave time for commissioning and inspection.
Developing a PM-KUSUM Component A or feeder-level plant? We do piling, fencing, civil works and installation & commissioning.
Get a free solar quoteFrequently asked questions
What is PM-KUSUM Component A?
What is the last date for PM-KUSUM projects?
How much subsidy is there on a solar pump?
Has PM-KUSUM 2.0 been launched?
Sources
- PIB, 6 Aug 2024: PM-KUSUM
- Renewable Watch, 31 Mar 2026: MNRE extends timelines for projects under PM-KUSUM
- Energetica India: MNRE extends PM-KUSUM financial closure deadline to 30 November
This guide explains public policy in plain language for planning purposes. Rules, rates and deadlines change: confirm the current position with the notifying authority, your DISCOM and your tax adviser before you commit. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.
About the authors. Arrays Ingenieria is an ex-servicemen-led solar EPC and installation & commissioning company working Pan-India, from Assam's tea estates to industrial rooftops. Our story · Our projects
