🗞️ Why in News The Indian Express published an analysis on Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV), a dual-use technology that integrates solar power generation with farming on the same land. The 2026-27 Union Budget nearly doubled the PM-KUSUM scheme outlay to Rs 5,000 crore, and the government is considering a National Agri-photovoltaics Mission targeting 10 GW capacity.
What Is AgriPV?
Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) involves installing solar panels elevated above agricultural land, allowing crops to grow underneath while generating electricity from the panels above. This transforms competing land use (food vs energy) into complementary land synergy.
How It Works
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Panel height | 3-5 metres above ground (allows farm machinery access) |
| Panel spacing | Optimised for partial shade — benefits shade-tolerant crops |
| Dual output | Electricity from panels + crop yield from land below |
| Suitable crops | Leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, pulses, some cereals |
| Water savings | 15-30% reduced evaporation due to partial shading |
Why India Needs AgriPV
India faces a fundamental land-use conflict:
| Challenge | Data |
|---|---|
| Solar capacity target (2030) | 300 GW |
| Land needed for ground-mounted solar | ~1.5-2 million hectares (at 5 acres/MW) |
| Arable land share | ~52% of total area (under pressure) |
| Farm holdings | ~86% are small/marginal (<2 hectares) |
| Agricultural employment | ~42% of workforce |
Dedicating millions of hectares exclusively to solar panels would displace farming communities and threaten food security. AgriPV resolves this by enabling both on the same land.
The PM-KUSUM Connection
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is India’s primary programme for solar energy in agriculture:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Component A | 10,000 MW of decentralised solar power plants on barren/fallow land |
| Component B | 20 lakh standalone solar pumps |
| Component C | Solarisation of 15 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps |
| Budget 2026-27 | Rs 5,000 crore (nearly doubled) |
AgriPV can be integrated into PM-KUSUM Component A, allowing farmers to earn from both farming and selling solar power — becoming “Urjadatas (energy providers) alongside being Annadatas (food providers).”
Global AgriPV Experience
| Country | Status | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Pioneer (since 2004) | 2,000+ AgriPV installations |
| France | Regulatory framework since 2023 | Mandatory AgriPV for ground-mounted >10 MW |
| Germany | Fraunhofer ISE research hub | 30% water savings demonstrated |
| China | Largest installed base | 20+ GW AgriPV capacity |
| Italy | EU funding for AgriPV pilots | Wine and olive cultivation under panels |
Benefits Beyond Energy
- Farmer income diversification — Dual revenue from crops and electricity
- Water conservation — 15-30% reduced evaporation
- Crop protection — Panels provide shelter from hailstorms and extreme heat
- Grid stability — Distributed generation reduces transmission losses
- Climate resilience — Partial shading moderates soil temperature during heatwaves
Challenges
- High upfront cost — Elevated structures cost 20-30% more than conventional ground-mount
- Crop-panel optimisation — Not all crops thrive under partial shade
- Financing — Small farmers lack access to capital for solar investment
- Grid connectivity — Rural grid infrastructure often inadequate for power evacuation
- Land ownership — Fragmented holdings complicate large-scale deployment
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: PM-KUSUM components, India’s solar target (300 GW by 2030), AgriPV technology. Mains GS-3: Energy security vs food security trade-off; renewable energy and agricultural integration; technology solutions for climate adaptation.
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
AgriPV Technology:
- Concept: Solar panels elevated above farmland, crops grow below
- Panel height: 3-5 metres
- Water savings: 15-30% reduced evaporation
- Suitable crops: Leafy greens, herbs, pulses, some cereals
- Global leader: China (20+ GW installed)
PM-KUSUM Scheme:
- Full form: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
- Launched: 2019
- Budget 2026-27: Rs 5,000 crore
- Component A: 10,000 MW solar plants
- Component B: 20 lakh solar pumps
- Component C: 15 lakh pump solarisation
India’s Solar Sector:
- Current installed solar: ~100+ GW (2025)
- Target 2030: 300 GW solar (part of 500 GW non-fossil target)
- India Solar Alliance (ISA): HQ in Gurugram, India
- National Solar Mission: launched 2010 under NAPCC
National Agri-photovoltaics Mission (proposed):
- Target: 10 GW AgriPV capacity
- Rationale: Resolve food-energy land conflict
- Concept: Farmers as Urjadatas + Annadatas
Other Relevant Facts:
- India’s NDC: 50% cumulative electric power from non-fossil sources by 2030
- Net Zero target: 2070
- Rooftop solar scheme: PM Surya Ghar (launched 2024, 1 crore households target)
- India’s land under agriculture: ~52% of geographic area
Sources: Indian Express, Insights on India