Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) in India Context: The 2026–27 Budget increased funding for the PM-KUSUM scheme to ₹5,000 crore, highlighting a stronger focus on solar energy for farmers, aiming to improve energy access, water security, farmer incomes, and reduce carbon emissions. Expanding solar projects on farmland raises concerns about reducing agricultural output, making it important to balance energy generation with food production. About AgriPV Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) combines solar power generation with farming on the same land. Solar panels are installed in ways that allow crops to grow underneath or between them. Importance of Crop Selection Shade-tolerant crops grow well under panels Sunlight-demanding crops are suited between panel rows Suitable crops vary by region (e.g., vegetables, spices, millets, fruits) Current Facts In India, natural gas is primarily used to produce ammonia, which in turn is used to produce fertilizers. In FY26, about 30% of India’s LNG supply was used for the production of fertilizers Business Models for Farmers Farmers can own systems and sell surplus electricity Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) can develop collective projects Private developers may lease land and share revenue Government agencies can also set up projects AgriPV is Important for India Supports India’s solar target (300 GW by 2030) and net-zero goal (2070) Reduces land-use conflict between farming and solar projects Helps farmers earn additional income while continuing agriculture Environmental and Economic Benefits Reduces water loss (evapotranspiration) Improves soil moisture retention Protects crops from extreme weather Cuts diesel use and supports rural enterprises Enables services like cold storage and food processing PRARAMBH 2026 Context: The Union Finance Minister recently inaugurated the PRARAMBH 2026 initiative. About PRARAMBH 2026 PRARAMBH stands for Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat. It is a nationwide awareness campaign focused on the Income Tax Act, 2025, aimed at educating citizens about its provisions, effective…
