Atal Groundwater Scheme: Rajasthan Clears ₹158 Crore Pending Farmer Subsidy; ₹90.91 Crore Budget Allocated

Key highlights:

• ₹158 crore subsidy pending for Rajasthan farmers.

• ₹90.91 crore allocated for Agriculture Department dues.

• ₹66.16 crore pending under Horticulture Department.

• Scheme covered 17 Rajasthan districts from April 2020.

• Payments to be released after farmer verification.

Rajasthan farmers waiting for long-pending subsidy payments under the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Groundwater Scheme) are set to receive relief. The state government has cleared the way for payment of around ₹158 crore in pending subsidies. The outstanding amount will be paid at the state level from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) after verification of eligible farmers and completion of required procedures.

The decision is expected to benefit farmers who completed approved water conservation, irrigation and agricultural activities under the scheme but could not receive their subsidy because of the scheme's closure and delays in administrative approvals.

Atal Bhujal Yojana Was Implemented in 17 Districts

The Atal Bhujal Yojana, operated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, was implemented in 17 districts of Rajasthan from April 1, 2020. The scheme focused on improving groundwater levels, conserving water and encouraging efficient use of available water resources.

Under the scheme, eligible farmers could receive subsidies for several activities, including farm ponds, diggis, irrigation pipelines, agricultural equipment, crop rotation minikits, sprinklers, mini sprinklers and drip irrigation.

However, implementation of the scheme was discontinued after October 15, 2025. Along with delays in administrative approvals, this resulted in subsidy payments remaining pending for many farmers who had already completed eligible work.

₹158 Crore Subsidy Was Pending

The total pending subsidy under the Atal Groundwater Scheme is approximately ₹158 crore in Rajasthan. Of this amount, around ₹90.91 crore relates to the Agriculture Department, while approximately ₹66.16 crore is pending under the Horticulture Department.

Many farmers had completed the required work by making investments from their own funds and were waiting for reimbursement through the scheme. The state government's decision to allocate funds is intended to clear these long-pending liabilities.

Centre Was Approached for Pending Payments

The Rajasthan government had repeatedly approached the Ministry of Jal Shakti at the Centre for payment of the outstanding subsidy. Efforts and correspondence were also made with the Chief Minister, Agriculture and Horticulture Minister, Chairman of the Rajasthan Farmers Commission and Chief Secretary.

However, the Centre expressed its inability to make the pending payments, citing the closure of the scheme and delays in administrative approvals. Following this, the state government explored a mechanism to settle the outstanding amount at the state level.

Chief Minister Approves State-Level Payment

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma decided that the pending subsidy would be paid at the state level. Under the decision, the funds will be released from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF).

The move is aimed at supporting farmers who completed approved work under the Atal Bhujal Yojana but could not receive their subsidy because of the scheme's closure or other administrative issues.

₹90.91 Crore Allocated to Agriculture Department

The Finance Department has approved payment of the pending liabilities under the scheme. Following this approval, Agriculture Commissioner Naresh Goyal issued budget allocation orders to the concerned Zila Parishads and District Agriculture Officers.

Officials have been directed to verify eligible farmers and speed up the payment process. A budget of approximately ₹90.91 crore has currently been allocated for pending liabilities related to the Agriculture Department.

Separate action is also underway to settle the approximately ₹66.16 crore outstanding amount associated with the Horticulture Department.

Which Farmers Will Receive the Pending Subsidy?

The benefit will go to eligible farmers who completed approved activities under the Atal Bhujal Yojana and whose subsidy remained unpaid.

These activities include farm ponds, diggis, drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, irrigation pipelines, agricultural machinery and other approved projects covered by the scheme.

According to the state government's process, payments will be released after verification of eligible farmers and completion of the necessary formalities. The move is expected to provide financial relief to farmers who had already invested in approved projects and may also encourage greater adoption of water conservation and micro-irrigation practices in Rajasthan.

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CMV360 Says

Rajasthan's decision to clear around ₹158 crore in pending Atal Bhujal Yojana subsidies provides relief to farmers who completed approved projects but were awaiting payment. With ₹90.91 crore already allocated for Agriculture Department liabilities and separate action underway for ₹66.16 crore under Horticulture, eligible farmers can expect payments after verification and required formalities. The move may also strengthen water conservation and efficient irrigation practices across the state.