PM-KUSUM 2.0 announcement likely soon; agrovoltaics get a dedicated component

We focus on supporting small and marginal farmers, FPOs, cooperatives and panchayats | Photo credit: The Hindu

The second phase of the flagship PM-KUSUM center is likely to be announced soon, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on the sidelines of the seventh Agrivoltaic World Conference 2026.

“The process is on for PM-KUSUM 2.0 i.e. Phase-II and I am quite sure that Hon’ble Prime Minister will (announce it soon),” Joshi told reporters.

Addressing the conference, the minister said the next phase of the scheme will include a dedicated agro-voltaic component that combines agricultural activities with solar power generation.

Joshi said the government’s broader focus will remain on supporting small and marginal farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives and panchayats as the country expands the use of renewable energy in agriculture.

He also encouraged industry stakeholders and researchers to deepen studies on agrovoltaic applications, particularly their suitability for different crops, climatic conditions and geographical areas.

“We need a lot more research. We need to understand what works best for different crops, climates and regions. One formula cannot work everywhere,” Joshi said, stressing the need for “deeper study”.

Launched in 2019, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aims to increase the use of solar energy in agriculture. The program supports the installation of decentralized solar power plants, stand-alone solar-powered agricultural pumps and solarization of grid-connected agricultural pumps.

Published – 9 Sep 2026 21:34 IST