Solar in a Drought Year: Pumps, Cleaning and Crops
The 2026 monsoon ended about 12.6% below normal, and drought has been declared across large parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan. Solar can help with irrigation and water use, but only with accurate information on what is available and what works. Start with your situation below.
Where things stand · checked 3 November 2026
PM-KUSUM Phase 1
Closed
No new applications for subsidised solar pumps. Already-sanctioned projects are being completed.
PM-KUSUM 2.0
Not yet notified
Announced, but it had not reached the Union Cabinet as of late October 2026. No rules or dates yet.
Agrivoltaics
10 GW planned
A solar-over-crops component was announced for PM-KUSUM 2.0 in March 2026. Not open to apply.
We will update this page the day PM-KUSUM 2.0 is notified. Confirm the current position on pmkusum.mnre.gov.in or with your state agency before you pay or sign anything.
The Three Guides
Each one is sourced, dated and says plainly what we could not confirm.
PM-KUSUM Solar Pump Subsidy: Is It Open?
Where the scheme stands, what the subsidy really was (30%, not always 60%), what to prepare now and how to spot fake KUSUM portals.
ReadCleaning Panels With Little or No Water
What dust really costs in India, what your module maker allows, and the low-water and waterless options, from a bucket to robots.
ReadAgrivoltaics: Solar Panels Over Crops
What Indian and global trials found on water and yields (some crops lost), the design choices that matter, and what to check before leasing land.
ReadStart From Your Situation
Farmers
EPCs & Plant Operators
Drought-Hit States
Each state page names the state’s solar agency and its current schemes. Reported drought figures differ by source and date, so check your district with the state government.
Seen a scheme update we have missed, or an offer you are unsure about? Write to hello@hariturjamission.com. We answer as a neutral reference, not a seller.