Agri-Photovoltaics | PM-KUSUM | Renewable Energy & Agriculture

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS

The Union Budget 2026-27 nearly doubled allocation to PM-KUSUM scheme to ₹5,000 crore, signalling a major push for solarisation of agriculture.
In this context, Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) is gaining attention as a solution to balance food security and renewable energy expansion.

BACKGROUND

India is targeting:

• 300 GW Solar Capacity by 2030
• Net-Zero Emissions by 2070
• Doubling Farmers’ Income

However, large solar parks require huge land areas, creating a Food vs Fuel dilemma:

• Solar parks need agricultural land
• Agriculture is essential for food security

Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) emerges as a dual-use solution to this challenge.

NEWS BREAKDOWN

What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)?

Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) refers to simultaneous use of land for agriculture and solar power generation.

Instead of clearing farmland for solar parks:

• Solar panels are installed above crops
• Or placed between crop rows
• Both energy and crops produced together

This creates a dual-use land model.

How Agri-Photovoltaics Works

Solar panels:

• Provide partial shade
• Reduce heat stress
• Reduce water loss

Plants:

• Release moisture (transpiration)
• Cool solar panels
• Improve solar efficiency

This creates a mutually beneficial micro-climate.

Types of Agri-Photovoltaic Systems

Type	Features	Best Use
Elevated Systems	Panels mounted high above crops	Mechanised farming
Row-Based Systems	Panels in rows	Sun-loving crops
Vertical Systems	Panels upright like fences	Limited land areas
Greenhouse Systems	Panels integrated into greenhouses	Controlled farming

Crops Suitable for AgriPV

Crop selection depends on shade tolerance and regional climate.

Example Crops

Madhya Pradesh

• Tomato
• Onion
• Turmeric
• Tulsi

Karnataka & Maharashtra

• Ragi
• Jowar
• Grapes
• Banana
• Brinjal

Region-specific planning is essential.

Benefits of Agri-Photovoltaics

1. Income Diversification

Farmers can:

• Use solar power for irrigation
• Replace diesel pumps
• Sell surplus power to DISCOMs (Distribution Companies)

Creates secondary income source.

2. Water Conservation

Solar panel shade:

• Reduces evapotranspiration
• Retains soil moisture
• Improves water-use efficiency

Useful in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

3. Weather Protection

Solar panels protect crops from:

• Heat waves
• Heavy rainfall
• Hailstorms

4. Strengthening Rural Economy

Solar energy can support:

• Cold storage
• Food processing
• Small agro industries
• Rural micro enterprises

Business Models

AgriPV can operate through:

• Farmer ownership model
• Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) model
• Private leasing model
• Public sector development model

Current Status in India

• Around 50 pilot AgriPV projects in India
• Example: ICAR-CAZRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Arid Zone Research Institute), Jodhpur
• Large-scale commercial adoption yet to begin
• Proposal for National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission
• Proposed 10 GW AgriPV component under PM-KUSUM 2.0

Importance for India

Food vs Fuel Dilemma

India has:

• 50% land under agriculture
• Growing energy demand

AgriPV avoids:

• Land acquisition conflicts
• Food production loss

Strengthening Agrarian Economy

• Farmers become energy producers
• Decentralised energy generation
• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels

Alignment with National Missions

AgriPV supports:

• PM-KUSUM Scheme
• Net Zero 2070 target
• Renewable energy expansion
• Doubling farmers income

Barriers to Adoption

High Capital Cost

• Elevated mounting structures expensive
• Steel structure costs high

Yield Risks

Wrong panel-crop combination may:

• Reduce crop yield
• Affect crop quality

Regulatory Challenges

Lack of clarity on:

• Land classification
• Tariffs
• Grid connectivity

Ownership Issues

Possible disputes:

• Land rights
• Revenue sharing
• Long-term agreements

Data Scarcity

Only 50 pilot projects

Limited:

• Crop performance data
• Climate-specific data

Maintenance Challenges

• Solar panel cleaning needs water
• Runoff may affect soil health

Measures for Large-Scale Adoption

Targeted Research

Institutions:

• ICAR
• NISE (National Institute of Solar Energy)

Should:

• Identify crop-panel combinations
• Map agro-climatic suitability

Financial Support

Government should provide:

• Subsidies
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
• Soft loans

Policy Framework

Need:

• National Agrivoltaics Policy
• Technical standards
• Grid connectivity rules

Capacity Building

Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

• Train farmers
• Demonstration projects
• Modern irrigation techniques

State Level Support

States should:

• Identify clusters
• Simplify approvals
• Provide guidelines

PRELIMS FOCUS

Key Facts:

• PM-KUSUM Scheme — Solarisation of agriculture
• Agri-Photovoltaics — Dual land use
• 300 GW Solar Target — 2030
• Net-Zero Target — 2070
• ICAR-CAZRI — Pilot AgriPV in Jodhpur
• NISE — National Institute of Solar Energy
• DISCOM — Distribution Company

CONCLUSION / WAY FORWARD

Agri-Photovoltaics can transform farms into energy hubs, balancing food security, renewable energy, and farmer incomes sustainably.

PRELIMS CHECK

Question 1

With reference to Agri-Photovoltaics, consider the following statements:

1. It involves simultaneous use of land for solar power and agriculture
2. It increases evapotranspiration from soil
3. It can help reduce farmer dependence on diesel pumps

Which of the statements are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Consider the following institutions:

1. ICAR
2. NISE
3. Krishi Vigyan Kendras

Which of the above are relevant for Agri-Photovoltaics adoption?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 3

Agri-Photovoltaics primarily helps address:

1. Food vs Fuel dilemma
2. Renewable energy expansion
3. Farmer income diversification

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATION

Answers:

1 — A
2 — D
3 — D

Explanation:

Question 1

• AgriPV reduces evapotranspiration, not increases
• Helps reduce diesel pump dependence
• Enables dual land use

Question 2

• ICAR — Research
• NISE — Solar technology
• KVKs — Farmer training

All relevant.

Question 3

• AgriPV addresses food vs fuel
• Expands renewable energy
• Diversifies farmer income

All correct.

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“Great nations solve future challenges by integrating innovation with tradition — Agri-Photovoltaics is one such step toward India’s sustainable future.”