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Source:  TH
Subject:  Agriculture/Science and technology
Context: In the 2026-27 Budget, the outlay for the PM-KUSUM scheme nearly doubled to ₹5,000 crore, with the government considering a National Agri-photovoltaics Mission to achieve 10 GW of capacity.

About Agri-photovoltaics (agriPV):
What it is?
Key Features of agriPV:
Opportunities for India in agriPV:
Example: A farmer in Maharashtra can earn fixed rent from a developer while still harvesting a full yield of chillies or brinjal.
Example: In arid regions of Rajasthan, agriPV can significantly lower the water frequency required for shade-tolerant crops like garlic or onions.
Example: With 50% of India’s land under farming, converting even a small fraction to agriPV helps hit the 300 GW solar goal without clearing forests.
Example: Solar-powered cold rooms in Karnataka can be fueled directly by the overhead panels, increasing the shelf-life of tomatoes.
Example: In Madhya Pradesh, agriPV structures can prevent heat stress in leafy vegetables, maintaining crop quality during peak summer.
Initiatives Taken:
Challenges Associated:
Example: The cost per megawatt for an agriPV plant is significantly higher than a standard utility-scale plant due to the 3-meter high mounting.
Example: If panels are too dense, sun-loving crops like certain cereal varieties may see a drop in grain weight.
Example: Farmers may fear losing agricultural status and associated subsidies if their land is reclassified for commercial power generation.
Example: Cleaning dust off panels without damaging the crops below or using heavy machinery in restricted spaces remains a logistical challenge.
Example: A successful agriPV farm in a remote tribal belt might struggle to sell power if the local substation is overloaded or too far away.
Way Ahead:
Conclusion:
AgriPV represents a transformative shift from competing land use to complementary land synergy, harmonizing India’s hunger for energy with its need for food security. By integrating this into the PM-KUSUM framework and providing fiscal support, India can empower its farmers to become Urjadatas (energy providers) alongside being Annadatas (food providers). Ultimately, this dual-purpose model is the backbone of a resilient, net-zero rural economy for 2070.
 
Q. “Solar energy expansion in India faces constraints that are structural rather than technological.” Evaluate the structural constraints affecting large-scale solar deployment and their implications for India’s long-term energy security. Suggest measures to overcome these constraints. (15 M)
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