Rajasthan farmers waiting for their long-pending subsidy under the Atal Bhujal Yojana may finally get relief. The state government has initiated the process to make funds available for clearing outstanding subsidy payments under the scheme. Around ₹90.91 crore related to the Agriculture Department has been allocated, while separate action is underway to release approximately ₹66.16 crore linked to the Horticulture Department.
Together, the pending subsidy is estimated at around ₹158 crore. The move is particularly significant for farmers who completed approved water-conservation, irrigation and agricultural activities under the scheme but have not yet received their eligible subsidy.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) was introduced as a groundwater management initiative with support from the Government of India and the World Bank. In Rajasthan, the programme was implemented from April 2020 across 17 districts, 38 blocks and 1,132 Gram Panchayats. Its broader objective was to improve groundwater management, address declining water levels and encourage more efficient use of available water resources.
Farm ponds and diggis:
A total of around ₹158 crore in farmer-linked subsidy payments is reported to be pending under the scheme. The outstanding amount includes Agriculture Department ₹90.91 crore, Horticulture Department ₹66.16 crore, Total pending subsidy Around ₹158 crore. The delay has affected farmers who had already invested in approved agricultural or water-management works but were still waiting for their eligible subsidy.With the state government now moving ahead with the funding process, expectations of clearing these pending payments have increased.
SDMF to Help Facilitate Pending Payments:
The state has decided to make funds available through the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) for the settlement of eligible pending subsidy claims. The move is aimed at farmers who completed approved works under the Atal Bhujal Yojana but could not receive their subsidy because of delays in administrative processing or the closure of the scheme. However, the release of funds will remain subject to the prescribed eligibility and verification process.
For pending liabilities related to the Agriculture Department, around ₹90.91 crore has been allocated. The next stage will involve processing eligible cases through the concerned Zila Parishads and District Agriculture Officers. Officials have been directed to verify eligible farmer claims and expedite the required procedures. The subsidy will be released only after the farmer's eligibility, approved work and supporting records are verified as per the applicable process. Meanwhile, separate action is being taken for the ₹66.16 crore pending amount associated with the Horticulture Department.
Which Farmers May Benefit?
The decision is primarily relevant to eligible farmers whose approved works under the Atal Bhujal Yojana have been completed but whose subsidy payments remain pending.
Farmers associated with approved activities such as the following may be covered:
It is important to note that participation in the scheme alone does not guarantee payment. The final release of subsidy will depend on the farmer's eligibility, approved work, available records and completion of departmental verification.
What Should Farmers Do Now?
Bank account details: Farmers can contact their District Agriculture Department or Horticulture Department to confirm the status of their claim, eligibility and the documents required for the final payment process.
FAQs:
1. What is the Atal Bhujal Yojana subsidy?
It is financial assistance linked to eligible approved activities under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, subject to applicable eligibility and verification requirements.
2. How much subsidy is pending in Rajasthan?
Around ₹90.91 crore is linked to the Agriculture Department and approximately ₹66.16 crore to the Horticulture Department, taking the reported total to around ₹158 crore.
3. Which activities may be covered under the pending subsidy?
Eligible approved activities may include farm ponds, diggis, drip irrigation, sprinklers, irrigation pipelines, agricultural machinery and crop diversification activities.
4. How can farmers check their pending subsidy status?
Farmers can contact their concerned District Agriculture Department or Horticulture Department to check their claim status, eligibility and required documents.
5. Will every farmer under the scheme receive the pending subsidy?
Not necessarily. Payment will depend on the farmer's eligibility, approved work, available records and completion of the required departmental verification.
