Bhubaneswar: Odisha will introduce an Agricultural Photovoltaics (AgriPV) policy by 2027 to promote renewable energy generation alongside farming activities, deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced on Saturday.
Policy to Benefit Farmers and Climate Goals
Addressing a conference on “Scaling AgriPV in Odisha for Climate-Resilient Growth”, Singh Deo said the policy would benefit lakhs of farmers by creating an additional source of income while helping the state achieve its renewable energy and climate objectives.
“Odisha is committed to integrating agriculture with clean energy. The proposed AgriPV policy, which we aim to roll out by 2027, will help farmers generate income from solar power without compromising agricultural productivity. This initiative will support climate-resilient growth and contribute significantly to the state's renewable energy targets,” said Singh Deo.
Comprehensive Framework Under Development
“We are actively working on the AgriPV policy, which will create a win-win situation for farmers, the energy sector and environment. A team of experts has been engaged to prepare a comprehensive policy framework that addresses the needs of all stakeholders. The proposed policy will help enhance farmers' incomes while accelerating Odisha's transition towards clean and sustainable energy,” Singh Deo added.
The conference brought together policymakers, energy experts and stakeholders to discuss the potential of AgriPV, a model that allows cultivation of crops beneath or alongside solar panels.
Economic and Environmental Benefits Highlighted
Energy department additional chief secretary Vishal Kumar Dev highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the concept. “AgriPV's core value proposition lies in enabling agricultural production while generating additional income through solar energy. It can enhance farmers' earnings and strengthen energy security,” he said.
However, despite its immense potential, adoption of AgriPV remains limited both in Odisha and across India, and there is a need for greater awareness, policy support and investment in the sector, added Dev.
