MP News: Will now electricity be generated from the fields along with crops? Will German cooperation bring a big increase in farmers’ income? Will Agri Voltaic Model Transform Rural Economy? Will PM-Kusum 2.0 get new strength? After all, how much will farmers benefit from this scheme?
Bhopal. An important step has been taken towards joint development of agriculture and solar energy in Madhya Pradesh. An important MoU was signed between the New and Renewable Energy Department of the State Government, Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited and the German Government supported Indo-German Agri Voltaic Cooperation Project (IGCA) at Mantralaya on June 15 in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. This agreement has been signed with the aim of promoting Agri Voltaic model in the state and providing additional income to farmers from farming as well as solar energy production.
What is Agrivoltaics: What is Agri Voltaic Model?
Agri voltaic is a system in which agricultural land is used simultaneously for both farming and solar energy production. Under this model, farmers can produce electricity by installing solar panels in the same field while continuing crop production on their land. This reduces the need for additional land, maintains food security and also reduces the possibility of disputes related to land acquisition.
PM Kusum 2.0 Scheme: PM-Kusum 2.0 scheme will get strength
This partnership between the state government and Indo-German Agri Voltaic Cooperation Project will help in developing specialized agri voltaic infrastructure in the state in line with various schemes including PM-KUSUM 2.0. This initiative will increase farmers’ income, improve land use efficiency, strengthen energy security and promote climate-resilient rural development. This agreement will remain effective till May 2030.
German Collaboration: Modern model will be developed with German collaboration
Under this project, German partner organizations will provide technical and strategic assistance to the state government. New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary Manu Srivastava, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited Amanveer Singh Bais, representatives of the German Embassy in India, Alexander of Agri Voltaic Organization and GIZ officials were present in the program.
Farmers Income Boost: Farmers will get double benefit of farming and electricity production
Under the Agri Solar PV model, the state government will provide necessary subsidies to the farmers. Farmers will do farming while maintaining ownership of their land and will also be able to produce solar energy on the same land. With this system, farmers will get additional income from crop production along with electricity generation. This model can prove to be a double benefit scheme for the farmers.
Solar Farming Project: Support will be provided from identification to implementation of projects.
Under the agreement, the Indo-German Agri Voltaic Cooperation Project will cooperate in identification of potential Agri Voltaic projects in the state, technical appraisal, economic analysis, design preparation, assessment of financial feasibility and implementation of the projects. This will help in systematically developing Agri solar energy projects in the state.
Awareness Programs for Farmers: Awareness and training campaigns will be run for farmers
Under this partnership, capacity building and awareness programs will also be organized for farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), power developers, distribution companies (DISCOMs) and other relevant stakeholders. The objective of these programs will be to inform the farmers about the benefits, technical aspects and economic possibilities of the Agri Voltaic model.
Climate Friendly Rural Development: Agricultural productivity and food security will get protection
The company will also cooperate in the development of policies and regulatory framework in the state, so that solar energy production can be promoted without affecting agricultural production and food security. This initiative will play an important role in addressing the challenges of climate change, strengthening the rural economy and promoting clean energy based development.
MP Renewable Energy Mission: Big step towards green energy and farmer prosperity
This initiative of the Madhya Pradesh government is being considered an important achievement in the direction of increasing the income of farmers, encouraging clean energy production and promoting the use of modern technologies in the agriculture sector. This is expected to give new impetus to rural development and energy self-reliance along with the expansion of green energy in the state.