Quick Facts
What DREBP is
DREBP (Diesel Replacement and Electrification of Bulk Pumps) is a Gujarat state government scheme aimed at replacing diesel-powered agricultural pumps with solar alternatives. The scheme complements the central PM KUSUM programme, adding state-specific subsidy and prioritising diesel pump replacement as a stated environmental and economic objective.
Gujarat has one of India’s largest agricultural sectors, with significant historical reliance on diesel pumps in regions where grid power is unreliable or expensive. DREBP addresses two problems simultaneously: high diesel cost for farmers and air quality impact from rural diesel use.
The scheme is administered by GEDA (Gujarat Energy Development Agency), the state’s nodal agency for solar and renewable energy schemes.
How DREBP works
A farmer with an existing diesel pump applies through the GEDA portal. The application captures the current pump’s capacity, fuel consumption, and the farmer’s land and pump-house details. After verification, a solar pump of equivalent or appropriate capacity is allotted from GEDA’s panel of approved suppliers.
The new solar pump system includes solar panels, controller, motor, pump, and necessary accessories. Installation is by the supplier, with GEDA’s field staff supervising commissioning.
Subsidy structure typically follows:
- Central PM KUSUM CFA: 30%
- State (Gujarat) subsidy: 30% to 50% depending on category
- Farmer contribution: 20% to 40%
For some categories (SC, ST, small and marginal farmers), the state subsidy is higher, reducing the farmer’s share further. Total subsidy can reach 80% to 90% in some cases.
The diesel pump is typically scrapped or formally disposed of as a condition of the subsidy disbursement.
DREBP in the broader Gujarat solar landscape
Gujarat has a layered solar policy framework. DREBP, PM KUSUM (state implementation), Suryashakti Kisan Yojana, and the state’s net metering policy together provide multiple paths for farmers to access solar.
Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY) specifically targets grid-connected agricultural pumps for solarisation, allowing farmers to sell surplus solar power to DISCOMs at predetermined tariffs. Some DREBP installations are integrated with SKY for grid-connected operation.
GEDA maintains comprehensive vendor panels for each scheme, with empanelled suppliers competing on price and service quality.
Key benefits for farmers
Eliminated diesel cost. Solar pumps require no fuel, removing what is often the single largest annual operating expense for farmers using diesel.
Predictable operation. Solar pumps work whenever there is sun, without dependency on fuel supply chains or electricity grid availability.
Lower noise and pollution. Important quality-of-life benefit for farm operations.
Income potential. Grid-connected variants under SKY allow farmers to sell surplus power.
State and central subsidy combined. Effective farmer contribution can be as low as 10% to 20% of system cost.
Common application considerations
Land records: Must be in the applicant’s name or with formal consent of the owner.
Existing pump documentation: Diesel pump make, capacity, fuel consumption history. Required to demonstrate the displacement.
Water source verification: The water source must reliably support the proposed pump capacity. Bores, wells, or canals must have proven yield.
Roof or land for solar panels: Adequate space (typically 80 to 150 sq m for a 5 HP system) with good solar exposure.
Bank account in farmer’s name for subsidy disbursement.
Common mistakes when applying
Choosing a pump larger than the water source can sustain. The solar pump’s output is limited by the well or bore’s yield, not by the panel capacity.
Applying without confirming GEDA empanelment of the supplier. Off-panel installations do not qualify for subsidy.
Skipping the diesel pump scrapping documentation. Subsidy disbursement may be delayed without proper closure of the diesel pump.
Not budgeting for the farmer’s share. Even at 20%, a Rs 3.5 lakh pump requires Rs 70,000 from the farmer.
Forgetting maintenance planning. Solar pumps require panel cleaning and occasional motor service. Annual O&M of Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 keeps the system reliable.
Best practices
Apply through the official GEDA portal from the start.
Verify the supplier’s empanelment status before signing any contract.
Match the pump capacity to the actual irrigation need, not to the maximum the budget allows.
Combine DREBP with available bank financing if the farmer share is unaffordable as one payment.
Plan for routine maintenance (quarterly panel cleaning, annual motor inspection) from the start.
Keep all installation documentation and warranty cards for the system’s lifetime.
DREBP and related state schemes
Other Indian states run similar diesel-replacement programmes under PM KUSUM Component B:
Maharashtra: Mukhyamantri Solar Krishi Pump Yojana, providing solar pumps with state and central subsidy support.
Rajasthan: Solar Pump Programme under RREC, with priority for diesel pump replacement.
Karnataka: Karnataka Krishi Bhagya Yojana with solar pump support.
Andhra Pradesh: NTR Jala Siri programme with solar lift irrigation focus.
Tamil Nadu: Solar pump scheme administered through TEDA.
Each state’s specific scheme name and subsidy structure differs, but the core objective of replacing diesel with solar is consistent.
Standards and compliance
DREBP installations must use BIS-certified solar panels and MNRE-approved pump controllers, the same as central PM KUSUM standards. The CEA Connectivity Regulations 2019 cover grid-connected components. GEDA’s panel evaluation includes vendor experience, financial stability, and after-sales service capability.
Related glossary terms
- PM KUSUM
- PM Surya Ghar Yojana
- MNRE
- GEDA Gujarat
- State Nodal Agency
- Central Financial Assistance
- Feed-in Tariff
Key takeaways
DREBP (Diesel Replacement and Electrification of Bulk Pumps) is a Gujarat state government scheme that supports the replacement of diesel agricultural pumps with solar alternatives. It complements the central PM KUSUM programme with additional state subsidy, potentially reducing the farmer’s contribution to 10% to 20% of system cost. Administered by GEDA, the scheme targets reduced diesel use, lower farming costs, and improved rural air quality across Gujarat.