Sowing the seeds of a solar power intervention

The article explores Agrophotovoltaics (AgriPV), a practice combining agriculture and solar power generation on the same land, through a farmer-led pilot project in Rajasthan. It highlights benefits such as diversified farm income, reduced heat stress for crops, and water savings. However, it critically examines significant challenges to wider adoption, including high upfront capital costs, policy and regulatory hurdles, financing issues, weak rural grid capacity, and the lack of clear standards and a supportive ecosystem. The article discusses government initiatives like PM-KUSUM and offers recommendations for scaling AgriPV, involving institutions like ICRIER, NABARD, and MNRE.