Jaipur: Jodhpur discom has emerged as the state’s leading contributor under Kusum scheme, commissioning 3,822 MW of solar capacity aimed at solarising agricultural power connections.Jaipur and Ajmer discoms have commissioned 774 MW and 759 MW, respectively, under components A and C of the scheme. Together, Rajasthan has commissioned 5,354 MW under these components, making it the largest contributor to the programme in the country.The achievement is notable because Kusum projects are comparatively small, with capacities ranging from 0.5 MW to 2 MW under component A, rather than relying on large solar parks. Component A promotes decentralised solar plants located close to substations, while component C focuses on solarising agricultural feeders.Agriculture accounts for nearly 40% of Rajasthan’s electricity consumption, making Kusum projects critical to reducing dependence on conventional power. Farmers in the state receive free electricity up to 2,000 units, a policy that costs govt about Rs 24,000 crore annually in subsidies.Industry stakeholders said the large number of decentralised solar plants has generated local employment in installation, electrical works, operations and maintenance, cleaning, security and allied services.“The decentralised plants are becoming local economic assets, creating opportunities for rural solar entrepreneurs, ensuring daytime electricity supply to farmers and potentially reducing govt’s recurring power subsidy burden,” said Nitin Agarwal, CEO of Rajasthan Solar Association.He added that, unlike large-scale solar parks, Kusum projects create opportunities for technically trained unemployed youth to work as contractors, service providers and small entrepreneurs, broadening the employment benefits of solarisation.The same decentralised approach is being reinforced through PM Surya Ghar, which is driving demand for rooftop solar installations and related electrical and maintenance services.Solarising agricultural feeders enables the state to continue providing farmers free daytime power while meeting a substantial share of demand through locally generated renewable energy.
