Rajasthan runs more diesel irrigation pumps per hectare of dryland farming than almost any other Indian state. The Thar Desert fringe districts, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, receive 5.5 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiation year-round, the highest sustained solar resource in the country after Kutch. That combination, punishing diesel bills and extraordinary sunlight, makes PM KUSUM Component B the highest-return agricultural investment available to a Rajasthan farmer today.
This guide covers PM KUSUM implementation in Rajasthan, where MNRE lists the Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society (RHDS) as the Component B implementing agency not RRECL (Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited), the state renewable energy agency many guides name. It includes the application process, the Jamabandi land document requirement, real cost figures for 3 HP to 7.5 HP pumps, and a district-by-district breakdown of where applications are most active.
Direct answer. Under PM KUSUM Component B, Rajasthan farmers get at least 60% subsidy (30% central, at least 30% state) on solar pumps up to 7.5 HP and pay at most 40%, of which 30% can be a bank loan. MNRE lists the Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society as the agency; apply through e-Mitra when a window opens.
Last verified: 14 October 2026
Checked the 30% central subsidy, the state share of at least 30%, the farmer share of at most 40%, the 7.5 HP limit and the bank-finance split against the MNRE PM-KUSUM scheme page, and the extension to 31 March 2027 against Lok Sabha question 1613 (29 July 2026). Not re-checked: whether a Rajasthan window is open now, e-Mitra screens, pump and diesel prices, and the payback figures.
Why Rajasthan Tops the KUSUM Return List: The Rajasthan Solar Advantage Score
Most guides treat KUSUM as a uniform national scheme. The financial reality is that returns differ dramatically by state. Rajasthan consistently produces the best KUSUM outcomes in India. To understand why, we use a three-factor framework called the Rajasthan Solar Advantage Score.
Factor 1, Irradiation: More pump hours per day. Rajasthan receives 5.5 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day according to CEEW data on India’s solar potential and NIWE solar resource maps. This translates to 7 to 9 peak sun hours daily in western Rajasthan, meaning a 5 HP solar pump installed in Jaisalmer district produces roughly 20 to 25% more daily pumping energy than the same pump installed in Pune or Bhopal. More pumping hours means more effective irrigation without fuel consumption.
Factor 2, Diesel consumption: Higher baseline cost = bigger savings. Rajasthan’s semi-arid and arid farming zones face two compounding problems: sandy, fast-draining soils require longer irrigation runs per crop, and deep borewells (50 to 200 metres) require higher-HP pumps running at full load. A 5 HP diesel pump in Barmer or Sikar typically runs 10 to 14 hours/day during the kharif and rabi seasons, far above the national average of 6 to 8 hours. At ₹91–₹95/litre (mid-2026 Rajasthan diesel prices), this produces annual diesel bills of ₹85,000–₹1,20,000 per pump, before oil, maintenance, and repair costs.
Factor 3, Deep borewells: Higher HP = higher absolute subsidy. Because groundwater tables are deep in western Rajasthan, 7.5 HP pumps are common where Gujarat or Maharashtra farmers use 3 HP or 5 HP. Under KUSUM Component B, the subsidy scales with pump capacity up to 7.5 HP (the central CFA ceiling), so a 7.5 HP pump receives a larger absolute subsidy amount than a 3 HP pump. The farmer’s 10% contribution grows in absolute terms, but the annual diesel savings grow proportionally faster, resulting in payback periods that are still under one crop season.
Who Runs PM KUSUM Component B in Rajasthan
MNRE’s national portal lists the Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society (RHDS) as the implementing agency for Component B standalone pumps in Rajasthan, with applications made through e-Mitra. The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) is the state’s renewable energy agency. The Component B implementing agency interfaces with MNRE for central subsidy release. Its functions include:
- Empanelling solar pump manufacturers and installers
- Issuing application windows and managing the application portal
- Verifying farmer eligibility and land records (Jamabandi)
- Coordinating with district-level Patwaris for land verification
- Overseeing commissioning inspections before subsidy disbursal
- Reporting commissioned pump data to MNRE’s PM KUSUM portal
As of 31 July 2026, MNRE data show 1,27,639 Component B pumps installed in Rajasthan against 1,34,752 sanctioned, one of the largest state allocations, plus 2,32,132 grid-connected pumps solarised under Component C and 1,442 MW of Component A plants.
💡 Application windows
Rajasthan opens Component B applications in defined windows against MNRE allocations. Farmers must watch for the official notification and submit during the open window. Missing a window means waiting for the next cycle, and with PM-KUSUM 1.0 fully allocated, the next cycle depends on fresh sanctions.
Rajasthan Application Process: Step by Step
The Rajasthan KUSUM Component B process involves seven sequential stages from initial interest to pump commissioning.
The Jamabandi: Rajasthan’s Critical Land Document
Every KUSUM application in Rajasthan requires a Jamabandi: the primary land revenue record in Rajasthan. This is equivalent to a 7/12 extract in Gujarat or an RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops) in Karnataka.
The Jamabandi is issued by the Patwari (village revenue officer) and contains:
- Khasra numbers of all agricultural plots owned
- Area in bigha/biswa/hectare
- Owner’s name and co-owner details
- Land use classification (agricultural, barren, etc.)
- Water source details (borewell, canal, tank)
- Irrigation equipment currently in use
How to obtain your Jamabandi:
The fastest route is the e-Dharti portal (apnakhata.rajasthan.gov.in), the Government of Rajasthan’s land records digitisation initiative. You can download a Jamabandi extract online by entering your district, tehsil, village name, and Khasra number. The downloaded copy is generally accepted for the initial application. For commissioning inspection, a physically certified copy stamped by the Patwari or Tehsildar may be required.
If your land records are not yet on e-Dharti, visit your local Patwari’s office directly. Processing time is typically 3 to 7 days.
💡 Fast tip
Download your Jamabandi from e-Dharti well before the application window opens. Some districts experience portal slowdowns when many farmers download simultaneously during application rushes. Having a saved, printed copy removes this bottleneck entirely.
Real Farmer Cost Examples: 3 HP to 7.5 HP Pumps in Rajasthan
The following figures are planning estimates for surface and submersible solar pumps in Rajasthan; the payable amounts are set by the state’s tender rates.
| Pump Capacity | System Cost (estimate) | 60% Subsidy | Farmer Pays Upfront (10%) | Farmer’s 30% via Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HP surface | ₹1,80,000 | ₹1,08,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹54,000 |
| 3 HP submersible | ₹2,00,000 | ₹1,20,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹60,000 |
| 5 HP surface | ₹2,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 | ₹25,000 | ₹75,000 |
| 5 HP submersible | ₹2,85,000 | ₹1,71,000 | ₹28,500 | ₹85,500 |
| 7.5 HP submersible | ₹3,80,000 | ₹2,28,000 | ₹38,000 | ₹1,14,000 |
Note: Actual costs are set by the state’s tender rates and vary by tender year. Central CFA covers pumps up to 7.5 HP. The 30% loan component is part of the farmer’s 40% share; the farmer repays the loan, not the subsidy.
Annual Diesel Savings vs Solar (5 HP Example, Semi-Arid Rajasthan)
A 5 HP diesel pump in semi-arid Rajasthan running 12 hours/day for 180 days (combined kharif and rabi) consumes approximately 900 to 1,050 litres of diesel annually. At ₹93/litre average:
- Annual diesel fuel cost: ₹83,700–₹97,650
- Diesel pump annual maintenance: ₹8,000–₹15,000 (oil changes, repairs, injector service)
- Total annual diesel pump operating cost: ₹91,700–₹1,12,650
Solar pump annual operating cost under KUSUM:
- Panel cleaning + annual inspection: ₹2,500–₹5,000
- AMC (years 1 to 5, covered by vendor): ₹0
Annual savings: ₹86,700–₹1,07,650 per year on a 5 HP pump. For the documentation and process specific to formally converting an existing diesel pump under the scheme, see our diesel pump replacement claim guide.
💰 Real numbers
A Barmer farmer with a 5 HP submersible pump pays ₹28,500 upfront as KUSUM contribution, with the rest of his 40% share on a bank loan. He saves ₹90,000+ in the first year of solar operation. His [payback period](/glossary/payback-period) is under 4 months. Over 25 years, total savings exceed ₹22 lakh at current diesel prices, and diesel prices have risen every year for the past decade.
District-Level Coverage: Where KUSUM Is Most Active in Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s districts vary significantly in solar irradiation, borewell depth, crop patterns, and KUSUM adoption. The table below groups districts by priority for KUSUM applications.
| District Group | Districts | Solar Irradiation | Primary Crop/Water Need | KUSUM Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1, Highest solar, most diesel | Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner | 5.7 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day | Cotton, wheat, mustard, deep borewells | Highest |
| Tier 2, High solar, mixed farming | Nagaur, Pali, Jalore, Sirohi | 5.4 to 5.7 kWh/m²/day | Groundnut, bajra, mixed borewell/tank | High |
| Tier 3, Eastern Rajasthan | Jaipur, Sikar, Ajmer, Tonk, Alwar | 5.0 to 5.4 kWh/m²/day | Wheat, vegetables, shallower borewells | Moderate-High |
| Tier 4, Southern Rajasthan | Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh | 4.8 to 5.2 kWh/m²/day | Maize, soybean, canal irrigation | Moderate |
| Tier 5, Eastern fringe | Kota, Bundi, Baran, Bharatpur | 4.8 to 5.2 kWh/m²/day | Soybean, paddy, canal + borewell | Moderate |
Farmers in Tier 1 districts will see the highest diesel savings and the fastest payback. However, slots are allocated across all districts, so farmers in lower-tier districts should still apply and will receive full KUSUM subsidy.
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Rajasthan KUSUM vs Gujarat KUSUM: Process Comparison
Many farmers in border districts (Barmer/Kutch, Jalore/Banaskantha) ask which state process is faster or more accessible. The two processes share the same national subsidy structure but differ in operational details.
| Dimension | Rajasthan | Gujarat |
|---|---|---|
| Implementing agency (Component B) | Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society | State DISCOMs via GUVNL |
| Primary land document | Jamabandi (e-Dharti) | 7/12 extract (AnyROR) |
| Portal | e-Mitra (Jan-Aadhaar) | pmkusum.guvnl.com |
| Vendor model | Empanelled vendors | Empanelled vendors |
| Approval to commissioning | 45 to 75 days | 45 to 60 days |
| District-level contacts | District agriculture/horticulture offices | DISCOM offices |
| Maximum pump capacity with central CFA | 7.5 HP | 7.5 HP |
| Subsidy structure | 30% central + at least 30% state | 30% central + at least 30% state |
| Farmer contribution for 5 HP | ₹25,000–₹30,000 | ₹22,000–₹28,000 |
The main practical difference is the agency and portal. See our Gujarat KUSUM guide for the Gujarat process. If you are in Rajasthan, the application window timing is the critical variable, plan around it.
For deeper understanding of the national scheme and all three components, read our PM KUSUM complete guide 2026.
- Highest solar irradiation in India, maximum pump output
- High diesel baseline savings, semi-arid farming = longer pump runs
- Large MNRE allocation, more slots than most states
- Deep borewell prevalence, higher HP pumps = larger absolute subsidy
- e-Dharti for digital Jamabandi download, faster document prep
- Fixed application windows, missing a window means waiting for the next allocation
- High demand, windows oversubscribed quickly in top districts
- Jamabandi must match your Jan-Aadhaar and Aadhaar details exactly, mismatches cause delays
- Dust accumulation in desert districts, more frequent panel cleaning needed
- Remote districts have fewer empanelled vendors, longer site visits
Document Checklist for a Rajasthan KUSUM Application
Prepare these documents before the application window opens. All documents should be self-attested copies unless otherwise noted.
Eligibility Criteria for KUSUM Rajasthan
Rajasthan follows the national MNRE eligibility guidelines for PM KUSUM with minor state-specific additions.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applicant type | Individual farmer, tenant farmer with owner’s NOC, registered farmer cooperative |
| Land ownership | Agricultural land under farmer’s name in Jamabandi (or NOC from owner) |
| Existing pump | No existing functional solar pump on the same land parcel |
| Grid connection | Not mandatory for Component B standalone pumps |
| Area | No minimum area, even small-scale farmers are eligible |
| Category | All categories; SC/ST may receive priority in certain windows |
| Aadhaar | Mandatory, must be Aadhaar-authenticated |
Tenant farmers are eligible but must obtain a notarised No Objection Certificate from the landowner and ensure the owner’s Jamabandi is submitted alongside the NOC.
How Heaven Green Energy Helps Rajasthan Farmers
Heaven Green Energy is an MNRE-approved solar EPC company with active operations in Rajasthan. Our team has supported farmer applications across Rajasthan KUSUM windows and handles the end-to-end process from document preparation to commissioning.
- DREBP & PM KUSUM Services: dedicated KUSUM application support, vendor empanelment, and installation.
- Residential Solar: for homeowners adding rooftop solar alongside agricultural systems.
- Commercial Solar: for agri-businesses and rural enterprises with higher capacity needs.
- Contact us: free site assessment and KUSUM eligibility check.
We are active in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Bharatpur, Udaipur, and Kota districts. Our engineers have firsthand experience with the state’s technical requirements and Jamabandi verification process.
Get a free assessment. A solar advisor responds within 2 hours on business days. Get your free quote →
Financial Analysis: 25-Year Projection for a 5 HP KUSUM Pump in Rajasthan
Solar pump systems are warranted for 25 years (panels) and 5 years (pump + controller). The following projection uses conservative diesel price growth of 4% per year.
| Period | Diesel Cost (Cumulative) | Solar Cost (Cumulative) | Net Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹93,000 | ₹28,500 + ₹3,500 = ₹32,000 | ₹61,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹2,90,000 | ₹28,500 + ₹10,500 = ₹39,000 | ₹2,51,000 |
| Year 5 | ₹5,06,000 | ₹28,500 + ₹17,500 = ₹46,000 | ₹4,60,000 |
| Year 10 | ₹11,35,000 | ₹28,500 + ₹35,000 = ₹63,500 | ₹10,71,500 |
| Year 25 | ₹39,00,000+ | ₹28,500 + ₹87,500 = ₹1,16,000 | ₹37,84,000+ |
Note: Diesel cost projection assumes 4% annual price growth from ₹93/litre base. Solar maintenance costs include periodic cleaning, pump service at year 5 (₹8,000–₹12,000), and inverter replacement at year 10 to 12 if needed. Even with these costs, the 25-year advantage exceeds ₹20–₹25 lakh.
For a full cross-state ROI comparison of diesel vs solar pumps, read our diesel pump vs solar pump ROI guide.
For the step-by-step national KUSUM Component B application process, read our KUSUM Component B application guide.
Maintenance Requirements for Desert Conditions
Rajasthan’s solar pumps face harsher operating conditions than pumps in coastal or high-rainfall states. Two factors require specific attention.
Panel soiling in dusty districts. Western Rajasthan’s dusty conditions, especially in Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner, can reduce panel output by 20 to 35% within 2 to 3 weeks without cleaning. In contrast, Gujarat’s monsoon provides natural cleaning for 3 to 4 months per year. Rajasthan farmers must plan for weekly dry cleaning (brush or compressed air) during summer months and bi-weekly water cleaning from October to June. Neglecting this is the single biggest cause of under-performance in Rajasthan KUSUM installations.
Pump sand ingestion in sandy aquifers. Submersible pumps in sandy areas need stainless steel impeller pumps, not standard cast iron, to resist abrasion from fine sand in the water. Specify this when discussing pump selection with your vendor. Empanelled vendors are required to supply appropriate pump specifications for local hydrogeology, but verify this proactively.
FAQ
What is RRECL and how does it relate to PM KUSUM?
RRECL (Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited) is the Government of Rajasthan’s renewable energy agency. For Component B standalone solar pumps, however, MNRE lists the Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society as the implementing agency, and farmers apply through e-Mitra with their Jan-Aadhaar ID. The state pays at least a 30% share alongside MNRE’s 30%.
What is the Jamabandi and where do I get it?
The Jamabandi is Rajasthan’s primary land revenue record, it documents land ownership, area, Khasra numbers, and crop/water use details. It is issued by the Patwari (village revenue officer). You can download a Jamabandi extract from the e-Dharti portal (apnakhata.rajasthan.gov.in) by entering your district, tehsil, village, and Khasra number. For commissioning, a physically certified copy may also be required.
How much does a 5 HP KUSUM solar pump cost a Rajasthan farmer?
Under the 60% KUSUM subsidy structure, the farmer’s share is 40% of the system cost, of which only 10% has to be paid upfront if the other 30% is taken as a bank loan. For a 5 HP submersible solar pump, total cost is approximately ₹2,50,000–₹2,85,000, so the upfront payment is ₹25,000–₹28,500 and the loan, which the farmer repays from diesel savings, covers the rest of his share.
When does Rajasthan open its KUSUM application window?
Rajasthan opens Component B windows against MNRE allocations, and applications are made through e-Mitra. Window dates are announced by the agriculture and horticulture department and through district agricultural extension offices. MNRE has extended implementation to 31 March 2027, but new windows depend on fresh allocations, so monitor notices and act quickly when a window opens.
Which districts in Rajasthan have the best KUSUM returns?
Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner offer the best returns, they receive 5.7 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day of irradiation (the highest in the country), have the deepest borewells (requiring higher HP pumps), and have the highest diesel consumption due to semi-arid farming conditions. A 5 HP pump in Jaisalmer district will produce more annual savings than a 5 HP pump almost anywhere else in India.
Can a tenant farmer apply for KUSUM in Rajasthan?
Yes. Tenant farmers are eligible for PM KUSUM Component B in Rajasthan provided they submit a notarised No Objection Certificate from the landowner along with the owner’s Jamabandi. The solar pump will be registered in the tenant farmer’s name for subsidy purposes.
How long does the Rajasthan KUSUM process take from application to commissioning?
The typical timeline is 45 to 75 days after the application is accepted: 15 to 30 days for Jamabandi verification and technical approval, followed by 30 to 45 days for payment, installation, and commissioning inspection. The main variable is the time from application submission to acceptance, which depends on the volume of applications in that window.
What happens after the 5-year AMC period ends?
Vendors are required to provide free AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) for 5 years from commissioning. After the AMC period, farmers can sign a paid AMC with the same vendor or any qualified solar service provider. Annual maintenance costs for solar pumps are typically ₹2,500–₹5,000, a small fraction of what diesel maintenance costs annually.
Is KUSUM available for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems?
KUSUM Component B covers the solar pump system (panels, pump controller, pump). The pump draws water from a borewell or open well. Drip or sprinkler distribution systems are separate and not covered under KUSUM, these can be funded through other schemes like PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). The two programmes complement each other.
Is there an income limit for KUSUM eligibility in Rajasthan?
MNRE guidelines do not set a specific income limit for PM KUSUM Component B. Eligibility is based on land ownership (or tenancy with NOC), Aadhaar authentication, and not already having a solar pump on the same land. All farmer categories including small, marginal, medium, and large farmers are eligible. SC/ST farmers may receive priority processing in certain windows.