####Farmers in Ganganagar Benefit from Solar Pumps

Sri Ganganagar. With the proactive initiative of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, farmers in Sri Ganganagar district are increasingly turning towards solar-powered irrigation. The district has emerged as a leader in the installation of solar pump systems, setting an example for the rest of Rajasthan.

Under the present state government, 3,937 farmers in Sri Ganganagar have already installed solar pumps in their fields, reaping the benefits of cost-effective irrigation. The government is actively promoting the installation of these pumps under the PM-KUSUM Scheme (Component-B) to free farmers from dependency on diesel and electricity for irrigation. For the year 2025–26, a target of installing 3,500 additional pumps has been set.

Subsidy Support for Farmers

According to Deputy Director of Horticulture, Preeti Garg, farmers are being provided with stand-alone solar pumps of 3 HP, 5 HP, and 7.5 HP capacity at subsidized rates. The scheme covers 60% subsidy, while SC-ST farmers receive an additional grant of ₹45,000. Farmers are required to contribute the remaining share themselves.

The farmer’s contribution has been fixed as follows:

For a 3 HP pump: ₹97,750 to ₹1,01,124

For a 5 HP pump: ₹1,27,385 to ₹1,29,221

For a 7.5 HP pump: ₹1,78,893 to ₹1,81,437

Applications are being processed swiftly by the horticulture department. Farmers may apply through their nearest e-Mitra centre or directly via the Raj Kisan Saathi portal. Required documents include the latest jamabandi and map (not older than six months), details of water sources, diesel pump usage certificate, an affidavit confirming absence of electricity connection, and selection of an approved firm. For further guidance, farmers can approach the office of the Deputy Director of Horticulture or contact the concerned Agricultural Officer or Supervisor.

Advantages of Solar Energy in Irrigation

Deputy Director Garg emphasized that solar energy is clean, renewable, and eco-friendly, playing a crucial role in environmental conservation. With solar pumps, farmers no longer rely on electricity supply or diesel, which significantly reduces operational costs. Unlike diesel pumps that require daily expenditure, a solar pump is a one-time investment that provides years of free energy.

Moreover, farmers are no longer affected by power cuts or transformer failures, enabling them to irrigate their crops at their convenience. Timely and sufficient water supply improves crop yields, while government subsidy ensures that the financial burden on farmers is minimized.

Thus, through the PM-KUSUM scheme and the vision of the state leadership, Sri Ganganagar farmers are witnessing a sustainable shift towards clean energy-based irrigation, ensuring prosperity for both agriculture and the environment.