India to boost solar pumps scheme in Africa, island nations

9 OCTOBER 2025

The Union government is looking to showcase the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) and the PM Surya Ghar (for rooftop solar installations) programme to several African countries and island nations which have problems with connectivity, Union Minister for Renewable Energy (MNRE) Pralhad Joshi said.
It is been implemented through the ISA (International Solar Alliance) platform.
The ₹34,000-crore PM-KUSUM programme is meant to boost solar energy infrastructure in agriculture by setting up 100 GW of solar power plants in farmer-owned land.
Launched in 2019, it was to have added a solar capacity of 308 GW by 2022, but has missed targets.
The Centre then set a new target, of 348 GW with a deadline of March 2026.
As of September 30, only one part of the scheme, where 17.5 lakh standalone solar pumps were to be installed has made notable progress. About 70% of the pumps have been installed.
On the other hand, only 6% of decentralised grid-connected renewable energy power plants, and 16%-25% of grid-connected solar pumps have been installed.