What is the primary objective of the 'agrivoltaics' model as discussed in recent agricultural research?

To integrate solar power generation with agricultural cultivation on the same land

To convert barren land into exclusive solar energy zones

To replace traditional farming with large-scale solar power plants

To provide free electricity to industrial sectors using agricultural land

Which of the following is a significant financial barrier to the adoption of farmer-owned agrivoltaics in India?

High capital expenditure for elevated mounting structures

Lack of sunlight in arid regions

Low demand for electricity in rural grids

Excessive water requirement for solar panels

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23 August 2026

Solar power in agriculture

The topic discusses a specific technological intervention (Agrivoltaics) and cites a formal ICRIER report, making it highly relevant for questions on doubling farmers' income, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy policy.

Notes

Agrophotovoltaics (APV) or agrivoltaics involves using the same land for both agricultural cultivation and solar power generation.
APV benefits include reduced heat stress and evaporation for crops, creating a stable microclimate in arid regions.
Challenges include high capital expenditure (CAPEX) due to elevated mounting structures, which can cost ₹35 lakh more than conventional solar installations.
ICRIER report 'Solar as a Third Crop to Augment Farmers’ Income' highlights the potential for increasing annual returns by ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh per acre.
Financial barriers include high lending rates (approx 10.5%), lack of dedicated credit guarantee schemes (e.g., from NABARD), and high upfront costs.
Operational hurdles include the lack of formal national standards, technical benchmarks, and clear eligibility criteria for APV projects.
Administrative challenges include complex power-purchase agreements, high stamp duty on mortgages, and the need for a single-window clearance system.
Pilot projects indicate that APV can increase return on investment (ROI) from 12% to 18% when supported by viability gap funding.

Questions

What is the concept of agrivoltaics, and how can it address the dual challenge of enhancing farmers' income and ensuring energy security in India? 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

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Discuss the structural and financial bottlenecks hindering the adoption of agrophotovoltaics in India. Suggest policy interventions required to transition from pilot projects to a scalable model. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

What is the primary objective of the 'agrivoltaics' model as discussed in recent agricultural research?

Which of the following is a significant financial barrier to the adoption of farmer-owned agrivoltaics in India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

Sowing the seeds of a solar power intervention

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