India Hosts 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 to Promote Farming Alongside Solar Energy

India Hosts 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 to Promote Farming Alongside Solar Energy

Introduction

• International Conference: India is hosting the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 21 to 23 October 2026.
• First in the Global South: For the first time, this international conference is being held in the Global South. This brings attention to India’s efforts to combine farming with clean energy production.
• Organising Ministry: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, is hosting the conference with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV). Conexio-PSE is also helping to organise the event.
• Main Theme: The theme of the conference is “Powering the Global South”. It focuses on how solar energy can be produced along with farming on the same land.
• Major Objective: The main aim of the conference is to find practical ways for farmers to grow crops and produce electricity on the same piece of land. This can help provide enough food, increase the use of clean energy and improve the lives of people in rural areas.

Meaning of Agrivoltaics

• Basic Concept: Agrivoltaics, also called agricultural photovoltaics or AgriPV, is a system in which farming and solar electricity production take place on the same piece of land.
• Dual Land Use: In this system, solar panels are placed in such a way that farmers can grow suitable crops underneath them or in the spaces between them. The arrangement depends on the type of crop and the local farming conditions.
• Additional Income: Farmers may earn money from two sources: selling their crops and selling the electricity produced by solar panels. Solar power can also help run farming equipment and may reduce some farming expenses.
• Environmental Benefits: When properly planned, agrivoltaics can help control soil temperature and reduce water loss in certain conditions. Solar panels may also protect some crops from strong sunlight and difficult weather.
• Need for Research: Agrivoltaics does not work in the same way everywhere. Its success depends on the type of crop, amount of sunlight, height and spacing of solar panels, water supply and local weather. Therefore, the system must be planned according to the needs of farmers in each region.

Participation of Ministers and International Delegates

• High-Level Participation: The conference has attracted more than 1,200 delegates, including over 150 participants from other countries. These include government officials, scientists, researchers, business leaders, start-up owners and experts in renewable energy.
• Indian Leadership: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi addressed the opening ceremony of the conference.
• International Cooperation: Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider sent a video message for the event. German Ambassador to India and Bhutan Dr Jasper Wieck also took part in the conference.
• Research Partnership: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has agreed to work with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to develop agrivoltaic systems suitable for different farming regions of India.

Major Announcements and Initiatives

• New Publications: Three important resources were launched during the conference. These included a Decision-Making Tool developed by the India Agrivoltaics Alliance, a Book of Abstracts prepared by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the AgriPV Policy Handbook released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• Crop Research: ICAR stressed the need to find suitable combinations of crops and solar panels for India’s 15 agro-climatic zones. These zones have different weather conditions, temperatures, sunlight levels and farming needs. Research will help identify which crops can grow successfully under or near solar panels.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: During a preparatory event held in September 2026, Pralhad Joshi said that the next phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme would include a special component for agrivoltaics. The aim is to help farmers continue farming while also earning money from solar electricity.
• Startup Support: The Agrivoltaics Pitch Hub gives start-ups and innovators an opportunity to present their ideas and technologies. They can share their solutions with experts, investors and companies that may support the development of new agrivoltaic projects.

Key Developments on the Second Day

• State Participation: On 22 October, representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar discussed government policies and investment opportunities for agrivoltaics. They shared ideas about how their states could encourage farmers to adopt this system.
• Uttar Pradesh’s Potential: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma highlighted the state’s large agricultural resources, growing solar-energy infrastructure and opportunities for agrivoltaics. He also stressed the need for affordable technology and financial support so that small farmers could benefit.
• Odisha’s Target: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced that the state was preparing a special Agrivoltaics Policy 2026. Odisha aims to achieve 1 gigawatt of agrivoltaic capacity by 2030.
• Advanced Technology: Companies and research organisations presented new technologies, including solar panels that follow the movement of the Sun, adjustable panels, semi-transparent solar modules and sensors. These sensors can help farmers monitor soil conditions and the growing environment of their crops.
• Financial Assistance: Representatives from organisations such as the World Bank, KfW, the European Investment Bank and IREDA discussed ways to attract investment in agrivoltaics. They explored options such as affordable loans and financial arrangements that could reduce the risks faced by farmers and investors.

Importance for Farmers and the Environment

• Higher Income: Agrivoltaics may give farmers an additional source of income through the sale of electricity while allowing them to continue growing and selling crops. This can reduce their dependence on farming income alone.
• Better Land Use: The system can help meet the growing demand for electricity without using all available farmland only for solar power projects. The same land can be used for both food production and energy generation.
• Climate Resilience: Properly placed solar panels may protect certain crops from excessive sunlight and help create better growing conditions. However, the benefits depend on the crop, panel design and local weather conditions.
• Rural Employment: Agrivoltaics can create employment opportunities in villages through the installation and maintenance of solar panels, the use of modern farming technology and the management of solar-energy projects.
• Challenges Ahead: Despite its benefits, agrivoltaics faces several challenges. The cost of installing solar panels can be high, and farmers need to know which crops are suitable for growing under them. Access to affordable loans, proper training and protection of farmers’ land rights are also important for the success of this system.

Important Questions

1. What is agrivoltaics, and how does it combine farming with solar electricity production?
2. What is the main theme of the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026?
3. What major announcements were made during the conference regarding agrivoltaics and the PM-KUSUM scheme?
4. How can agrivoltaics help increase farmers’ income and improve the use of agricultural land?
5. What are the main challenges in adopting agrivoltaics in India?

Conclusion

India’s hosting of the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 in New Delhi is an important step towards bringing farming and clean-energy production together. The conference has provided a platform for Indian and international experts, government officials, researchers and companies to share their ideas and discuss new technologies. Agrivoltaics can help farmers earn additional income, make better use of their land and support the growing need for solar electricity. However, its success will depend on affordable technology, proper research, financial support, suitable government policies and training for farmers. With the right planning and cooperation, agrivoltaics could become a useful way for India to support agriculture, improve rural livelihoods and move towards a cleaner energy future.