Solar Water Pumps under PM-KUSUM, A Boon for High-Density Apple Production in Kashmir’s Karewas
Dr Quadri Javid Ahmad Peer, Dr Bilal Ahmad Bhat
The PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) scheme, which targets an additional solar capacity of 34,800 MW by March 2026 with central financial support of ₹34,422 crore, has emerged as a transformative policy for Indian agriculture. In Kashmir, its impact is most visible in the Karewas—fertile yet water-deficient tablelands—ideal for high-density apple cultivation.
For generations, orchardists on these plateaus depended on erratic rainfall, snow-fed streams, or costly diesel pumps to irrigate their orchards. Such uncertainty often caused crop stress, smaller fruit size, and lower yields, especially during critical flowering and fruiting stages. High-density apple plantations, which promise superior productivity and quality, demand reliable and timely irrigation—something that was out of reach for most farmers.
With the rollout of subsidised solar water pumps under PM-KUSUM, this challenge is being bridged sustainably. Farmers can now lift water from underground or nearby sources without relying on diesel or electricity. The technology enables timely irrigation, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, cuts input costs, and lowers carbon emissions. For women farmers and smallholders, the pumps have proven particularly user-friendly, reducing drudgery and making orchard management more efficient.
Tangible Gains for Farmers
A recent project sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research under the title “Evaluating the Socio-Economic Impact of Solar Water Pumps on Farming Communities in Kashmir Valley”, conducted in collaboration with the Division of Agricultural Extension & Communication, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir (Wadura), surveyed over 300 farmers across Pulwama, Anantnag, and Baramulla. The project team was headed by Dr. Quadri Javeed Ahmad Peer, Assistant Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension & Communication, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST- Kashmir (Wadura). The findings of the project reveal significant socio-economic benefits:
- Higher yields in apple, paddy, vegetables, and pulses.
- Healthier orchards with more consistent flowering and fruit development.
- Cost savings, as dependence on diesel and electricity for irrigation was eliminated.
- Reduced labour demands, with automated watering replacing manual effort.
Farmers confirm the impact. One orchardist remarked, “High-density apple plantations became possible only because of solar water pumps. Without them, we would still be tied to uncertain rains and costly diesel.” Another farmer noted that remote-control features allow him to irrigate even while away at work.
Policy Support and Accessibility
Unlike earlier subsidy models that required upfront payments, the PM-KUSUM scheme allows farmers to directly pay only their share, making adoption easier, especially for small and marginal farmers. Respondents praised the scheme as transparent, accessible, and scalable.
Institutional backing from SKUAST-Kashmir and support from Jammu & Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), which facilitated farmer access through beneficiary lists, have strengthened the program’s reach.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While adoption has been promising, the study identified some constraints:
- Panels at low heights get shaded by orchard trees.
- Harsh winters and heavy snowfall reduce durability.
- After-sales service delays and weak remote-control features hinder efficiency.
- Farmers in remote areas fear theft or vandalism.
To address these, experts recommend raised and reinforced solar units, universal mobile-based pump controls, mandatory after-sales contracts, affordable security solutions, and hybrid/battery-supported systems for reliable winter use. Bundling solar pumps with drip irrigation and orchard development programs could further optimize water use.
Towards Climate-Smart Farming
As Kashmir faces shifting rainfall patterns and climate-induced uncertainties, solar water pumps offer a sustainable, eco-friendly pathway to safeguard horticulture—the backbone of the region’s rural economy and exports. They are empowering farmers, boosting incomes, cutting carbon emissions, and making high-density apple production viable on the Karewas.
In essence, solar water pumps under PM-KUSUM are not only ensuring better harvests but also reshaping Kashmir’s agricultural future—transforming water-stressed uplands into hubs of climate-smart, energy-efficient fruit production.
(The authors, Dr Quadri Javid Ahmad Peer works as an Assistant Professor and Dr Bilal Ahmad Bhat (Associate Professor & Head) Division of Agriculture Extension and Communication Faculty of Agriculture Wadura-Sopore SKUAST-Kashmir)
