Experts at India Energy Week 2025 emphasized that scaling up solar-based technologies could significantly boost productivity in the agricultural sector. During a session titled “Solar-Based Farm Mechanisation for Transforming Agriculture Across the Global South,” industry leaders shared insights on the potential of solar energy to enhance agricultural practices, lower costs, and unify food and energy security.
The panel included notable figures such as Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance; Swati Agarwal, Programme Officer at OAK Foundation; Uwe Gehlen, Head of German Development Cooperation in India and Minister at the German Embassy in New Delhi; Subhodeep Basu from ICRIER; Harish Hande, Founder and CEO of SELCO Foundation; and Siraj Hussain, Advisor for Food Processing at FICCI.
Ajay Mathur pointed out the increasing demand for cereals and the pressing need for innovative, cost-effective agricultural solutions. He highlighted several solar-based technologies, such as solar pumps, solar cold storage, agri-PV systems (which allow land to be used for both agriculture and solar power generation), and electric tractors. He stressed the importance of evolving financing models to attract global investors, advocating for asset-based financing and guarantee mechanisms.
Harish Hande proposed a sustainable, long-term asset-based financing model to reduce the reliance on operational expenditure financing. He referenced a successful capital loan model in Meghalaya that supports women turmeric farmers, suggesting it as a replicable financial innovation.
Representing FICCI, Siraj Hussain discussed India’s advancements in solar-powered farm mechanization. He cited the distribution of 400,000 solar pumps under the KUSUM scheme and government-approved subsidies for solar cold storage under the MIDH initiative.
Swati Agarwal emphasized the necessity for policy frameworks that support local workforces while balancing capacity building with appropriate crop selection. She advocated for aligning existing crop patterns with solar energy to foster farmer confidence before introducing new crops and highlighted the integration of food and energy security. Additionally, she noted the potential of Agri-PV and the need for enhanced awareness and training.
Subhodeep Basu called for improved stakeholder consultation, identifying two main challenges: the lack of a farmer-centric approach—where current models are predominantly private or academic-driven—and limited research on the impact of solar energy on crop productivity. While recognizing some progress made by institutions like KASRI in Jodhpur, he argued for further studies. Basu also suggested learning from global practices, citing Japan’s soil norms and land use standards, along with best practices from both China and the U.S. to shape India-specific Agri-PV policies.
This discussion showcases the collective recognition among experts of the transformative potential of solar technologies in agriculture, advocating for innovation in financing and policy to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/harnessing-solar-technologies-to-boost-agricultural-productivity-insights-from-india-energy-week-2025/
