India Advances Renewable Energy in Agriculture for Enhanced Security
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized India’s commitment to melding renewable energy with agriculture at the Inter-ministerial Dialogue on Scaling Renewable Energy in Agrifood Systems. This gathering, jointly organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), showcased India’s efforts to boost energy security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods.
Representing a nation of over 1.4 billion people, Joshi articulated India’s unique position where food security, energy access, and rural livelihoods are intertwined. He described farmers, traditionally honored as Annadata or providers of food, as evolving into Urjadata, or providers of clean energy, through expanding distributed renewable energy initiatives.
Renewable Energy as a Key Solution
The Minister pointed out that renewable energy presents a cohesive solution to the global challenges of ensuring energy access, promoting climate action, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving rural livelihoods. India’s strategy is characterized by ambitious policies and effective execution that emphasizes decentralized action and inclusive designs.
Highlighting significant schemes, Joshi referred to the PM-KUSUM initiative launched in 2019, which integrates solar energy into the agricultural sector by deploying standalone solar pumps, solarizing grid-connected pumps, and building decentralized solar power plants. As of late 2025, nearly one million standalone solar pumps have been installed, and over 1.1 million grid-connected pumps have been solarized, resulting in more than 10,200 MW of installed capacity. This initiative has notably lessened dependence on diesel, stabilized irrigation costs, diminished emissions, and transitioned fiscal support to long-term investments.
Boosting Private Investment
Joshi also addressed the importance of fostering private investment through policy consistency and the aggregation of agricultural demand via national schemes, which have enhanced the financial viability of renewable energy projects. Initiatives such as permitting farmers to sell surplus solar power, the National Bioenergy Programme, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar have opened up new income avenues while bolstering rural energy security.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, the Minister revealed plans for PM-KUSUM 2.0, which will further promote decentralized solar solutions and agri-photovoltaics, enabling simultaneous agriculture and solar power generation. He asserted that well-designed agri-PV systems have the potential to maintain or even enhance crop yields while providing clean electricity and diversifying farmer incomes.
In concluding his address, Joshi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and scaling innovative solutions, emphasizing that with its abundant sunshine and over 146 million small landholdings, India is poised to become a global leader in renewable energy-enhanced agrifood systems.
On the sidelines of the 16th Assembly of IRENA, Joshi engaged in fruitful discussions with representatives from various countries, focusing on technical cooperation to expedite the deployment of geothermal energy in India and reinforcing India’s partnerships in renewable energy and clean infrastructure.
Additionally, he visited the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, reflecting on the importance of cultural dialogue and highlighting India’s artistic representation within the museum, which showcases the nation’s rich civilizational heritage.
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