Jodhpur Discom Powers Rajasthan's Green Future: 841 MW Solar & Farmer Empowerment
Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited
(
Jodhpur Discom
) has successfully established 432 solar power plants with a cumulative generation capacity of 841 megawatts (MW) under the Prime Minister's Kisan Urja Suraksha evam
Utthaan Mahabhiyan
(PM-KUSUM) scheme.
This marks a step in Rajasthan's journey to become a renewable energy hub while addressing the dual objectives of energy security and agricultural resilience.
Speaking to The ET Government, Dr. Bhanwarlal, Managing Director of
Jodhpur
Discom
, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative. Through effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, our farmers are not only accessing clean and sustainable energy but also gaining new sources of income, he said.
841 MW Solar Capacity Already Commissioned,Target of 6,000 MW by March 2026
As of May 2025, 432 decentralized solar power plants have been commissioned within the Jodhpur Discom area, generating 841 MW of electricity. These installations are now supplying power to approximately 75,000 agricultural consumers, marking a significant milestone in the government's mission to transform India's rural energy infrastructure.
The solar plants have provided a sustainable solution to farmers' energy woes, Dr. Bhanwarlal noted. More importantly, they have become a stable and long-term source of income for them.
Looking ahead, Jodhpur Discom has laid out an ambitious roadmap to scale its solar energy capacity to 6,000 MW by March 2026. This expansion aims to benefit nearly 4.95 lakh farmers across the region, significantly reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity and diesel-powered irrigation.
This projected capacity expansion will cement Rajasthan's position as a leader in renewable energy generation,' Dr. Bhanwarlal said. 'It will also enable thousands of farmers to become energy producers, not just consumers.
The expansion aligns with the Government of India's broader goals to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in the power mix and meet its climate commitments under international accords.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) Ensure Steady Farmer Incomes
One of the key attractions of the PM-KUSUM scheme is the provision for farmers to establish solar plants on their land and enter into long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with Discoms. These PPAs ensure that farmers have a reliable and consistent source of income by selling electricity back to the grid.
This system not only enables productive utilization of agricultural land but also ensures financial empowerment of farmers, Dr. Bhanwarlal explained. It's a win-win for energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
With predictable earnings from electricity sales, farmers can diversify their income, reduce debt dependency, and reinvest in their agricultural activities. For many, this has become a pathway to financial stability.
Driving Energy Independence Through Policy Backing
Dr. Bhanwarlal credited both central and state governments for their proactive policy support, which has been instrumental in enabling the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The initiative is a decisive step towards an energy-resilient and environmentally stable future. The supportive policy framework has encouraged Discoms to actively participate in decentralized solar energy deployment,he said.
He also emphasized that the scheme supports India's commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement and aligns with the goals of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. Rajasthan's proactive role, particularly through the Jodhpur Discom, showcases how regional initiatives can have a significant national impact.
By reducing dependence on diesel and fossil-fuel-based electricity, solar installations under PM-KUSUM are significantly lowering carbon emissions in agricultural operations. The move toward clean energy not only mitigates climate change risks but also helps preserve natural ecosystems.
The Jodhpur Discom's efforts contribute to a cleaner, greener environment,' Dr. Bhanwarlal said. 'In the long run, this will lead to improved air and soil quality, reduced groundwater depletion, and better climate resilience for rural communities.
Building Infrastructure for a Renewable Future
Implementing large-scale solar energy infrastructure in rural areas comes with its own set of challenges—land identification, transmission connectivity, regulatory approvals, and capacity building. However, Jodhpur Discom has overcome these hurdles through strategic planning, collaboration with local stakeholders, and transparent execution.
The Discom is also working closely with local entrepreneurs and renewable energy developers to streamline installation and grid integration processes. This collaboration ensures that both technical and operational standards are maintained while also fostering employment generation in rural areas.
The success of the PM-KUSUM implementation in the Jodhpur region is now being seen as a model for replication across India. With vast tracts of arid and semi-arid land, Rajasthan holds enormous potential for solar energy generation. Jodhpur Discom's pioneering work showcases how harnessing this potential can result in both economic and ecological dividends.
The initiative sets a precedent not just for Rajasthan but for the entire country,' said Dr. Bhanwarlal. 'It demonstrates the tangible benefits of integrating renewable energy with rural development strategies.
Farmers at the Core of the Solar Transition
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the PM-KUSUM initiative is the empowerment of farmers to become active participants in the energy transition. Traditionally seen as consumers at the end of the energy value chain, they are now becoming producers and stakeholders in India's clean energy journey.
This isn't just about solar panels, said Dr. Bhanwarlal. It's about transforming lives, empowering farmers, and decentralizing our energy future.
With the addition of solar infrastructure, farmers can now irrigate their fields with affordable and uninterrupted power, grow multiple crop cycles, and increase agricultural productivity—all while contributing to the national grid.
With more solar plants on the horizon and nearly half a million farmers set to benefit in the coming years, the momentum is strong. Jodhpur Discom's leadership under the PM-KUSUM scheme is not just powering farms—it's energizing lives, communities, and the very fabric of sustainable development in India.
Quick Facts: PM-KUSUM in Jodhpur Discom Region
Total Solar Plants Commissioned (as of May 2025): 432Installed Capacity: 841 MWNumber of Farmers Benefited: ~75,000Target by March 2026: 6,000 MW additional solar capacityFuture Beneficiaries: ~4.95 lakh farmersIncome Mechanism: Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Build PMAY Schemes With 1,000 Flats In Each Of 6 Constituencies, Says CM
Nagpur: In a major milestone under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Sunday handed over possession of 480 flats to economically weaker section (EWS) beneficiaries under the project Swapniketan, located at Mouza Wanjara. The symbolic key was handed over by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , along with guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and minister of state Ashish Jaiswal. Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis congratulated the new homeowners and praised the quality of construction undertaken by NMC. "The same quality flat is being sold for Rs18 lakh in the adjacent scheme, but citizens are getting the flat under PMAY for Rs9 lakh," said Fadnavis. He also proposed that similar PMAY buildings — with at least 1,000 flats — should be developed in each of Nagpur's six assembly constituencies to ensure accessible housing for all. "PM Modi has already provided funds for building 30 lakh houses in the state this year. Out of the 12 crore population of Maharashtra, over 1.5 crore will be able to live in their own homes thanks to PM Modi," said Fadnavis. He also reaffirmed the govt's commitment to regularising slum dwellings and providing ownership rights to all families in the coming years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Fadnavis also instructed that the newly built Arogya Vardhini Kendra (Urban Health Wellness Centre) be showcased as a model of architectural excellence. Stressing Nagpur's place among India's green cities, he encouraged citizens to reduce private vehicle usage and make greater use of the eco-friendly electric bus service made available by the city administration. "Steps are being taken so that the private vehicle usage is reduced in the city and people should use public transport. In the future, Metro and E-bus services will be provided within 300m to 500m distance from any person's home, especially in suburbs," said Fadnavis. During the event, city beautification projects were also unveiled, including landscaping and decorative works under Mahdi Bagh, Dahi Bazar, Sakkardara, and Dighori flyovers. Notable among these were graffiti artworks at JP Nagar Metro Station, mural paintings of women and bicycles at major junctions, and a mural of an astronaut at Narendra Nagar Chowk. The teams from NMC, SDPL, and PMC were felicitated by the chief minister for their excellent implementation of the PMAY project.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Domestically made solar panels cost doubles, raises project cost
Jaipur: Farmers installing solar plants to irrigate their land feel cheated as the increasing prices of domestically made panels nullify the subsidy provided by the central and state govts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Prices of solar panels made in the country currently command Rs 28 a watt compared to about Rs 14 for the assembled panels, which are made of imported solar cells. With the rising cost, the impact of the 60% subsidy provided by the Union and the state govt (30% each) reduces the benefits by up to 50%. As a result, farmers said that a 5-kW plant, which required about Rs 2.7 lakh investment, will now need Rs 4 lakh. These projects are mandated to use Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) panels to be eligible for the subsidies. Disappointed with the higher panel rates, a farmer in a social media post even accused the govt of corruption as the benefits promised under the subsidy scheme are not available to him. The shortage of DCR panels has been jacking up prices in India for a long time, forcing vendors to delay project implementation. They accuse the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of rolling out schemes with mandatory use of DCR panels without having an adequate supply. "It is benefitting a few manufacturers who are into the production of DCR modules. If the country does not have enough capacity, then the stipulation should be removed for the smooth implementation of the projects," said a vendor preferring anonymity. In DCR modules, solar cells need to be manufactured in India. But the country currently does not have enough cell production capacity. The majority of panel manufacturing volume is made of imported solar cells. The govt has made the DCR mandatory for certain projects, including Kusum and PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Delay in availability risks pushing deadlines further for achieving targets set by MNRE.
India Today
17 hours ago
- India Today
PM Kisan Beneficiary List: All you need to know
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana is a flagship scheme by the Government of India designed to provide direct financial assistance to eligible farmers. Here's a comprehensive overview of the beneficiary list, eligibility, and how to check your OVERVIEWObjective: Provide financial support to small and marginal farmers for their agricultural and household Benefit: Rs 6,000 per eligible farmer, paid in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 every four Update: The 20th instalment is expected to be released in June or July 2025, following the 19th instalment disbursed in February 2025, which benefited approximately 9.8 crore IS ELIGIBLE?Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can ownership: Must own cultivable land with valid land Income tax payers, pensioners, and those employed in government or public sector jobs are not requirements: Aadhaar number must be linked to the bank account, and e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification is compulsory for all TO CHECK THE PM KISAN BENEFICIARY LISTFarmers can easily verify if they are beneficiaries and check the status of their installment through the official PM-KISAN portal. Here's a step-by-step guide:1. Visit the official website: Go to [ Navigate to farmers corner: On the homepage, find the 'Farmers Corner' section.3. Select 'Beneficiary List' or 'Beneficiary Status':For the list, click on 'Beneficiary List'.For individual status, click on 'Beneficiary Status'.4. Enter required details: Select your state, district, sub-district, block, and village to view the list. For status, you can enter your Aadhaar number, registration number, or mobile number.5. Submit and view: After entering the details, click 'Submit' or 'Get Data' to see the beneficiary list or your individual status. The displayed list will include the beneficiary's name, father/husband's name, gender, village, and payment status. This helps verify if the instalment has been credited and confirms eligibility for the upcoming POINTSe-KYC is mandatory: Without completing e-KYC, the instalment may be delayed or linking: Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account to receive the benefit For assistance, call their refer to the official website for the most accurate and updated information regarding the PM Kisan Yojana and beneficiary status.
