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Next phase of PM-KUSUM scheme to drive AgriVoltaics adoption
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Friday, 23 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The government plans to launch a major AgriVoltaics programme under the next phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme, integrating crop cultivation with solar power generation to enhance farmers’ incomes, expand renewable energy capacity and create rural employment opportunities.
Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the initiative aimed to transform farmers from ‘annadatas’ (food providers) into ‘urjadatas’ (energy providers) as well. He stressed that the technology and its supporting policies must be designed to suit India’s small and marginal farmers, who account for more than 85 per cent of the farming community.
AgriVoltaics involves installing solar panels above agricultural land, allowing farmers to generate electricity while continuing to cultivate crops underneath. According to Chouhan, the approach offers an opportunity to improve farm incomes without diverting productive agricultural land exclusively for solar power generation.
He emphasised that the model must be practical and economically viable for farmers, noting that India’s average landholding is only 0.96 hectares. Solar panel height, spacing between supporting structures and access for farm machinery must be carefully planned to ensure uninterrupted cultivation. Farmers should also retain the flexibility to grow different crops and modify cropping cycles without compromising agricultural productivity.
Chouhan called for effective rainwater drainage and collection systems to prevent soil erosion and improve water utilisation. He also highlighted the need for reliable electricity procurement arrangements, grid connectivity and transparent, timely payments. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) should be involved, while rural youth and women should receive training in equipment operation, repair and maintenance to generate employment locally.
He further stressed that safeguards must protect farmers if companies discontinue projects midway or solar installations have to be removed after contracts expire. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare will work closely with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to develop a model that supports agricultural production, renewable energy generation and farmers’ economic well-being.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi highlighted the potential of AgriVoltaics to contribute to India’s long-term energy requirements while maintaining agricultural output. Citing a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), he said approximately 47.5 million hectares of India’s agricultural land were technically suitable for the technology. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh together accounted for around 50% of this suitable area.
Joshi said that deploying AgriVoltaics across just 10% of the suitable land could potentially meet India’s projected electricity demand up to 2050. Studies have also indicated that the technology could increase crop yields by 10–20%, offering farmers the dual benefits of agricultural production and electricity generation.
He noted that India’s total installed electricity generation capacity had increased from approximately 249 GW before 2014 to more than 560 GW, while non-fossil energy capacity had crossed 308 GW. The cost of non-fossil electricity had also declined from Rs 11 per unit in 2012–13 to Rs 2.60 per unit, supporting wider adoption of renewable energy.
Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, around 3 million agricultural pumps have already been connected to solar energy, enabling farmers to access daytime electricity for irrigation and reducing their dependence on night-time power supply. Joshi said the proposed AgriVoltaics programme could generate approximately 332,000 full-time local jobs, creating livelihood opportunities for rural youth and reducing migration to cities.
Chouhan also highlighted the progress of Indian agriculture, noting that the country had moved from dependence on foodgrain imports to substantial domestic production of wheat and rice. The sector continues to record growth of around 4.5%, while agricultural exports have reached a record US$52.55 billion. Sowing for the 2026–27 rabi season has also commenced, with pulses and oilseeds receiving particular attention.
The conference brought together policymakers, scientists, industry representatives and farmers to discuss the integration of agriculture and solar energy. The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik; Dr Jasper Wieck, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan; senior officials from the Ministries of New and Renewable Energy and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; representatives of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Technical tools and communication materials related to AgriVoltaics were also released at the event to support informed decision-making by farmers and stakeholders and facilitate the practical adoption of the technology.
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