Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Science & Technology
Context
- The Union Budget 2026–27 nearly doubled the allocation for the PM-KUSUM scheme to ₹5,000 crore, signalling a renewed push toward solarisation of agriculture.
- However, expanding solar infrastructure without compromising food security remains a critical policy challenge.
What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)?
- Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) refers to the integration of solar photovoltaic systems with agricultural practices on the same land parcel.
- It can improve overall land productivity (Land Equivalent Ratio >1), making it more efficient than separate land uses.
- It emerges as a viable solution by enabling dual land use i.e. simultaneous crop cultivation and solar power generation.
Types of AgriPV Systems
- Elevated Systems: Panels mounted several metres high to allow farming below
- Row-based Systems: Panels placed between crop rows
- Vertical Systems: Upright bifacial panels capturing sunlight from both sides
- Greenhouse-integrated Systems: Solar panels integrated into protected cultivation structures
Crop Selection: Key Determinant
- Crop productivity under AgriPV depends largely on shade tolerance:
- Shade-tolerant crops perform well under panels;
- Sunlight-intensive crops grow better between panel rows;
- Moderate shading (~20–30%) can maintain or even enhance yields by reducing heat stress.
Economic and Business Models
- AgriPV scalability depends on viable financial arrangements:
- Farmer-owned Models: Use electricity and sell surplus;
- Cooperative/FPO-based Models: Aggregation improves bargaining power;
- Developer-led Models: Land leasing or revenue-sharing;
- Public sector Models: State-led decentralised energy systems;
- AgriPV can increase farm income by over 30% when energy and agriculture are combined.
Why AgriPV Matters for India?
- Addressing Land Scarcity: India targets 300 GW solar capacity by 2030; large-scale solar requires vast land; and over 50% of land is agricultural;
- AgriPV reduces land-use conflict by enabling dual utilisation.
- Enhancing Farmer Income: Income from electricity sales, leasing, or shared revenues; and diversification reduces agricultural risk.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced evapotranspiration and improved soil moisture; protection from heat, hail, and extreme weather; and reduced dependence on diesel pumps.
- AgriPV supports the Water–Energy–Food nexus, improving sustainability.
- Rural Development: Enables cold storage, food processing, and agro-industries; and promotes rural entrepreneurship and decentralised energy systems.
Challenges in Scaling AgriPV
- Economic Barriers: High capital cost due to elevated structures and specialised mounting systems; and cost higher than conventional solar.
- Agricultural Uncertainty: Crop yields vary depending on design and shading patterns; and poor design may reduce productivity.
- Regulatory Issues: Land classification and ownership ambiguity, and lack of clarity on tariffs, grid connectivity, and revenue sharing.
- Institutional Constraints: Limited technical standards and design benchmarks; investor uncertainty due to lack of policy clarity.
Policy Pathways for India
- Integration with PM-KUSUM 2.0: Proposed National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission (10 GW); and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to reduce capital burden.
- Clear Policy Framework: Recognise dual-use land systems, and standardise designs and tariffs.
- State-Level Interventions: Identify AgriPV clusters, streamline approvals and provide farmer training.
- Strengthening Institutions: Promote FPO participation, and improve access to credit and finance.
Conclusion
- Agri-photovoltaics represents a transformative solution at the intersection of agriculture, energy, and sustainability. It addresses India’s twin challenges of energy transition and food security, by enabling dual land use.
- AgriPV can evolve from pilot projects to a scalable national model, enhancing farmer incomes while advancing climate goals, with appropriate policy support under PM-KUSUM 2.0.
| Daily Mains Practice Question [Q] Examine how Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) can serve as a dual-purpose model for enhancing farmer income and ensuring energy security, while addressing concerns related to food security, economic viability, and regulatory challenges. |
