Context
Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) hosted the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026.
About the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026
- It is a top-tier global platform bringing together researchers and industry on agrivoltaics: the simultaneous use of land for farming and solar energy production.
- First in the Global South: The 2026 meeting, the 7th in the series, breaks new ground by leaving Europe, North America and East Asia, where earlier editions were held.
- Host ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Theme: Powering the Global South.
- International support: Support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) and organised in partnership with Conexio-PSE.
- Major participants: Policymakers, scientists, researchers, industry leaders, start-ups, innovators and development partners.
- Core objective: Promote the integration of agricultural production and solar energy generation through agrivoltaics.
About Agrivoltaics
- Agrivoltaics (Agri-PV) refers to the simultaneous use of the same land for agricultural activities and solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation.
- Solar panels are installed above or alongside crops, allowing electricity generation while agricultural activities continue.
- It is also known as dual-use solar farming.
Key Features
- Dual Land Use: Combines food production and solar electricity generation on the same land.
- Additional Farmer Income: Provides opportunities to earn from electricity generation or land leasing.
- Water Management: Panel shading can reduce evaporation and water stress for suitable crops under appropriate conditions.
- Crop-Specific Planning: Panel height, spacing, orientation and light transmission must be adapted to local crops and climatic conditions.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Supports solar power deployment while potentially reducing competition between energy projects and agricultural land.
Significance of Agrivoltaics for India
- Farmers’ Income: Creates opportunities to diversify income without necessarily abandoning cultivation.
- Land-Use Efficiency: Enables food production and renewable electricity generation on the same land.
- Energy Transition: Supports India’s expansion of renewable energy and clean-energy infrastructure.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Appropriate panel designs can help manage heat and water stress for selected crops.
- Rural Employment: Encourages local entrepreneurship and employment in installation, maintenance and agricultural technology.
- Food and Energy Security: Connects agricultural sustainability with clean-energy generation.
- Technology Integration: Promotes the convergence of solar energy, precision farming, smart irrigation and digital technologies.
Conclusion
Agrivoltaics integrates food security, clean energy and farmers’ income through dual land use. Its success depends on scientific research, farmer-centric policies, reliable infrastructure and innovative financing, supported by collaboration among governments, industry and research institutions.