In a bold move toward sustainable farming, the Madhya Pradesh government has launched a large-scale initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana. Announced as part of the 2025-26 state budget, Finance Minister Jagdish Devda earmarked ₹447 crore for this ambitious project. The goal is to equip approximately 40 lakh farmers with solar-powered pumps, reducing reliance on conventional electricity sources and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy within the agricultural sector.
Lowering Costs and Boosting Rural Earnings
At the heart of this initiative is the objective to ease the financial burden of electricity costs for farmers. Solar-powered pumps offer a cost-effective irrigation solution, and any surplus power generated can be sold to the state electricity grid. This dual advantage cutting down on utility bills while generating additional revenue offers a sustainable way to enhance farmers’ incomes and foster economic resilience in rural communities.
Tackling Drought Through Renewable Solutions
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has underlined the significance of this scheme in addressing water scarcity, particularly in drought-prone regions. Districts such as Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, and Datia in Bundelkhand, along with Vidisha, Shivpuri, and Raisen in the Betwa basin, are key beneficiaries. The government plans to improve irrigation facilities across 6.57 lakh hectares of agricultural land, while also ensuring access to drinking water for over 44 lakh residents in these vulnerable areas.
State Support Making Solar Technology Accessible
To encourage widespread adoption of solar pumps, the state has introduced a financial assistance model that includes subsidies and credit support. Farmers will receive a minimum subsidy of 30% on the installation cost of solar pumps. In addition, banks will provide loans for up to 30% of the cost, and farmers are expected to contribute only 5–10% upfront. This structured financial assistance ensures that even small and marginal farmers can transition to solar-based irrigation systems.
Defining Who Can Avail of the Program
Not every farmer is eligible to participate in this scheme, as certain conditions apply. Only land-owning farmers without existing electric pump systems will be allowed to enroll. These criteria are designed to ensure that the benefits reach those who are in real need of an alternative energy source for irrigation, preventing overlap with existing subsidies for electrically powered pumps.
Scaling Up with Additional Grants and Approvals
With rising interest and growing demand, the Madhya Pradesh government has recently increased the grant support offered under the scheme. This update has significantly boosted participation, leading to the approval of 59,400 applications. Of these, 7,325 farmers have already received solar pumps, highlighting steady progress in the scheme’s rollout and the government’s commitment to expanding access.
Training Technicians to Support Long-Term Sustainability
The implementation of this solar initiative is complemented by the Varun Mitra skill development program, which operates under the broader umbrella of the PM Kusum Yojana. This program is tailored to train individuals in the technical aspects of solar pump installation and maintenance. By building a skilled workforce, the government ensures ongoing technical support and smooth functioning of solar infrastructure across rural regions.
Driving a Green Energy Transformation in Agriculture
In addition to installing solar pumps, the scheme also promotes renewable energy infrastructure ranging from 500 kilowatts to 2 megawatts in capacity. These decentralized energy units are a step toward making agriculture more climate-friendly and energy independent. By merging environmental responsibility with economic empowerment, the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Mitra Surya Yojana is redefining how farming is practiced in Madhya Pradesh making it greener, more affordable, and future-ready.