Odisha set to launch India's first agrivoltaics policy targeting 1 GW capacity

Odisha is preparing to roll out India's maiden dedicated agrivoltaics policy, marking a significant shift towards sustainable land use that integrates farming with renewable energy generation. The policy framework will enable farmers to pursue both agriculture and solar power production simultaneously on the same land parcel, creating a dual-income model for cultivators across the state.

Under the proposed scheme, at least 90 per cent of project land must remain under active cultivation, ensuring that agricultural productivity is not compromised by solar infrastructure development. This requirement balances renewable energy expansion with food security concerns, allowing solar panels to coexist with traditional crop farming through carefully designed layouts and spacing.

The policy targets installing 1 gigawatt of agrivoltaic capacity across Odisha by 2030, positioning the state as a pioneer in this emerging renewable energy sector. By facilitating this model, the initiative aims to provide farmers with supplementary income streams through lease payments and revenue-sharing arrangements from solar energy generation, while simultaneously supporting India's renewable energy transition goals.

Agrivoltaics represents an innovative approach to land utilization that addresses multiple policy objectives—expanding clean energy capacity, supporting farmer incomes, and optimizing land use efficiency. State officials anticipate the policy will attract investment in renewable infrastructure while demonstrating a replicable model for other Indian states exploring sustainable agricultural-energy integration.