Published: 22 March 2026Business TodayEconomy
AgriPV Takes Centre Stage: PM-KUSUM Allocation Doubled to ₹5,000 Crore, National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission of 10 GW Proposed
Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) — the technology that integrates solar photovoltaic panels with crop cultivation on the same land parcel — gained significant policy momentum in March 2026, coinciding with expert analysis on the same date. The Union Budget 2026–27 nearly doubled PM-KUSUM's allocation to ₹5,000 crore (from approximately ₹2,800 crore), and policy consultations indicate a proposed National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission targeting 10 GW of AgriPV capacity.
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan), launched in 2019 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to solarise India's agricultural sector through three components: standalone solar pumps for individual farmers (Component A), solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps (Component B), and small solar power plants (0.5–2 MW) on barren and agricultural land by farmers and distribution companies (Component C — the AgriPV core).
AgriPV works by mounting solar panels at 2–4 metre heights, allowing crops to be grown beneath with 20–30% shading that actually reduces heat stress for shade-tolerant varieties, potentially increasing yields while simultaneously generating electricity. Panel configurations include elevated, row-based, vertical bifacial, and greenhouse-integrated systems. India currently has around 50 pilot AgriPV installations, notably by ICAR-CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute) at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, evaluating panel-crop combinations for arid zones.
For Rajasthan, AgriPV is of particular relevance: the state receives among the highest solar irradiance (6–7 kWh/m²/day), has abundant semi-arid agricultural land, faces severe water stress, and has already deployed over 1.2 lakh solar pumps under PM-KUSUM. The state's Renewable Energy Policy 2023 provides an enabling framework. Scaling AgriPV can increase farmer income by over 30% through combined crop and electricity revenue.
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Linked questionMedium
In the Union Budget 2026-27, the PM-KUSUM allocation was nearly doubled to what amount?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Union Budget 2026-27 nearly doubled the PM-KUSUM allocation to ₹5,000 crore, reflecting the growing policy momentum behind Agri-Photovoltaics technology.
Frequently asked questions
What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) and how does it benefit farmers?
Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) is a dual land-use system that co-locates solar panels and crop cultivation on the same land. It benefits farmers by generating additional income from solar energy while continuing agricultural production. Studies indicate that AgriPV can boost farmer income by 30% or more, as the solar panels also provide partial shade that can reduce water evaporation and crop stress in hot climates.
What change was made to PM-KUSUM in Union Budget 2026–27 and what is the proposed National AgriPV Mission?
Union Budget 2026–27 nearly doubled the PM-KUSUM allocation to ₹5,000 crore to accelerate solar-agriculture integration. A National Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) Mission targeting 10 GW of solar capacity on agricultural land has been proposed, reflecting India's push to converge renewable energy and farm income policies.
What is PM-KUSUM and when was it launched?
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) was launched in 2019 to promote solar energy among farmers. It has three components: solar pumps for individual farmers, solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps, and setting up small solar power plants on barren or agricultural land. The scheme provides farmers with clean energy and additional income from surplus solar power sold to the grid.
Why is Rajasthan a priority state for AgriPV and what role does ICAR-CAZRI Jodhpur play?
Rajasthan is a priority state for AgriPV due to its high solar irradiance — among the highest in India — making it ideal for solar energy generation. ICAR-CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute) in Jodhpur is running arid-zone AgriPV pilot projects to study the feasibility and impact of integrating solar panels with crop cultivation in semi-arid and desert conditions specific to Rajasthan.
What is ICAR-CAZRI and what is its significance for Rajasthan's agriculture and renewable energy sectors?
ICAR-CAZRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research — Central Arid Zone Research Institute) is located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is the country's premier research institution for arid and semi-arid zone agriculture. Its AgriPV pilots are significant because they generate locally relevant data on how solar-agriculture integration can work in desert and dryland conditions, directly informing Rajasthan's state-level AgriPV policy and benefiting the state's large dryland farming community.
