The International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by India and France in 2015 during COP21 in Paris, continues to drive global solar initiatives, emphasizing sustainable energy transformation. With 124 member countries, the ISA has become a cornerstone for advancing solar technologies, particularly in developing nations.

A key focus area for replication is India’s PM-Kusum Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) — a flagship programme designed to empower farmers through solar energy adoption in agriculture. The success of this initiative has inspired the ISA to expand similar models across Africa and small island nations, enhancing energy access and security.

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🌍 ISA and PM-Kusum at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Launched By	Government of India and France under the International Solar Alliance (ISA), 2015
ISA Membership	124 countries
PM-Kusum Objective	Promote solar energy in agriculture through solar pumps and solar power plants
Target Capacity	100 GW of solar power plants on farmer-owned land
Solar Pump Target	1.4 million new solar irrigation pumps + 3.5 million existing pumps solarized
Financial Framework	₹34,000 crore total budget
Subsidy Support	Farmers receive government subsidies for installation
Global Replication Goal	ISA to extend PM-Kusum model to African and small island nations
Complementary Programme	PM Surya Ghar initiative for rooftop solar
Focus Areas	Enhancing connectivity, energy access, and sustainability

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⚙️ Key Components of PM-Kusum

1. Solar Power Plants

• Objective: Install 100 GW of solar capacity on farmer-owned land.
• Implementation: Farmers generate solar power for self-use or sell surplus to the grid.

2. Solar Pumps

• Target: Install 1.4 million solar irrigation pumps.
• Impact: Reduces dependency on diesel and grid electricity, lowering operational costs.

3. Solarization of Existing Pumps

• Scope: Convert 3.5 million existing grid-connected pumps to solar-powered systems.
• Benefit: Cuts down emissions and ensures sustainable energy usage.

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💰 Financial Framework and Subsidies

The scheme’s total budget of ₹34,000 crore underlines India’s strong push toward agricultural electrification through clean energy. Farmers receive capital subsidies to offset installation costs, making the technology affordable and scalable across rural India.

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🔄 Implementation Flow

1. Registration: Farmers register through government portals or agencies.
2. Site Survey: Technical teams assess the feasibility for solar setup.
3. Installation: Certified vendors execute the solar installation.
4. Monitoring & Maintenance: Post-installation performance tracking ensures efficiency.

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🌾 Key Advantages

Benefit	Description
Energy Security	Ensures reliable power for irrigation, especially in rural areas.
Environmental Impact	Reduces fossil fuel use and carbon emissions.
Economic Gain	Lowers electricity costs; farmers can earn by selling excess power.
Sustainable Development	Aligns with India’s renewable energy goals and global sustainability targets.

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🔆 Global Outlook

With the ISA’s plan to replicate the PM-Kusum model across member countries, particularly in Africa and small island states, India’s solar success story is set to inspire global agricultural reform. This initiative not only enhances rural livelihoods but also supports the global transition to clean and resilient energy systems.

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In essence, the PM-Kusum scheme represents India’s blueprint for sustainable agriculture — merging clean energy, economic empowerment, and climate resilience. Through ISA’s leadership, this model is poised to illuminate farms and futures across the world.