Indian farmer doubles income by selling solar power alongside crops

Kajodmal, a farmer who has adopted an agri-solar or agrivoltaic model, has significantly increased his income by simultaneously cultivating crops and selling electricity generated from solar panels installed on his land. The dual-use farming approach allows farmers to maximize returns from limited agricultural land while contributing to renewable energy production.

The agrivoltaic model involves installing solar photovoltaic panels above or between crop rows, enabling farmers to generate electricity for sale while maintaining agricultural activity below or around the panels. This integration of solar energy generation with farming has proven financially viable, with Kajodmal reportedly earning substantial profits from both agricultural yields and electricity sales.

However, Kajodmal has appealed to the government to develop targeted policies that would make this technology accessible to smallholder farmers. While larger agricultural operations may find it relatively straightforward to invest in solar installations, smaller farmers face significant barriers including limited land availability and insufficient capital for upfront infrastructure costs.

Experts suggest that policy interventions such as subsidized equipment, soft loans, technical training, and grid-connection support could unlock significant potential for marginal and small farmers across India. The agrivoltaic model offers a pathway to enhance rural incomes while advancing the country's renewable energy targets, provided that implementation strategies address the specific constraints faced by India's predominantly smallholder farming community.