Karnataka Fast-Tracks PM-KUSUM Scheme to Ensure Daytime Power for Farmers

The Karnataka government has directed officials to expedite the implementation of the PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme, which aims to provide reliable daytime power supply to farmers by solarising agricultural feeders.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, Gaurav Gupta, chaired a review meeting on Tuesday, instructing all power distribution companies (Escoms), Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), and implementing agencies to adhere to project timelines. Key activities such as land identification, agreement execution, and commencement of works must be accelerated in view of rising power demand.

Under the scheme, 439 projects with a combined capacity of 2,767 MW have been awarded and agreements signed. So far, 540 MW of capacity has been commissioned, while work on the remaining 2,227 MW is underway.

Gupta directed KPTCL, Escoms, KREDL, CEIG, and project developers to work in close coordination to remove procedural bottlenecks and complete the projects within stipulated timelines. This will help bridge the power deficit and ensure quality daytime power to agricultural consumers.

The meeting was attended by Bescom Managing Director N. Shivashankar, KREDL Managing Director Divya Prabhu, managing directors of other Escoms via virtual mode, and senior officers of the Energy Department, KREDL, and Escoms.

The PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme is part of a national initiative to promote solar energy in agriculture, reducing dependency on grid power and providing farmers with reliable, daytime electricity for irrigation.