Jodhpur Discom Powers Rajasthan's Green Future: 841 MW Solar & Farmer Empowerment

Time of India

2 days ago

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)