World · India Bureau
India's vast croplands could harness solar power through agrivoltaics
Nearly a third of India's cultivated land presents viable opportunities for combined solar and agricultural production, according to government officials. The revised PM-Kusum scheme now includes dedicated support for agrivoltaic systems that can boost renewable capacity while providing economic benefits to farming communities.
LSN India ·
India's agricultural sector stands at the intersection of energy and food security, with significant potential to advance both simultaneously through agrivoltaic systems. Government assessments indicate that approximately 30 percent of the nation's cropland is technically suited for dual-use solar installations that generate electricity while preserving agricultural productivity beneath or alongside solar panels.
The expanded PM-Kusum 2.0 programme has introduced a dedicated component specifically targeting agrivoltaics, recognizing the dual benefits such systems can deliver. The initiative aims to leverage India's solar ambitions while creating new income streams for farmers through lease payments and shared energy revenues.
Agrivoltaics represents an innovative approach to land utilisation in a country where agricultural space remains constrained and renewable energy demand continues to surge. By integrating solar installations with farming operations, India can address multiple development priorities without sacrificing arable land to energy infrastructure.
The integration of solar technology into agricultural landscapes could significantly expand India's renewable energy capacity while enhancing farmer incomes. Industry analysts suggest the approach offers a scalable solution to India's dual imperatives of achieving clean energy targets and supporting rural prosperity.