The Farmer Who Has Always Fed the Nation is Now also Lighting it up, with the Annadata Becoming an Urjadata: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi stated that the next phase of PM-KUSUM will feature a dedicated component for agrivoltaics, allowing farmers to farm and earn electricity income simultaneously. Speaking at the curtain-raiser for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026, he highlighted that farmers can earn three income streams from one acre: crop sales, power sold to DISCOMs, and diesel savings. He also noted India's progress in non-fossil capacity and decentralised solar initiatives.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams as it contains updates on government schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, renewable energy statistics, and upcoming international events like the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026.
In Simple Words
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi announced that the upcoming phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme will include a dedicated component for agrivoltaics. This allows farmers to grow crops below while generating clean solar energy above on the same land.
He highlighted that small and marginal farmers can benefit from three income streams: selling crops, selling electricity to DISCOMs, and saving on diesel. He also launched the teaser and logo for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026, scheduled for October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Key Points
- Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi addressed the curtain-raiser event for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 in New Delhi.
- The next phase of PM-KUSUM will include a dedicated component for agrivoltaics.
- A farmer can earn three income streams from one acre: crop sold, power sold to DISCOM, and money saved on diesel.
- India added 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity last year.
- Around 29 lakh pumps have been solarised under PM-KUSUM.
- Decentralised solar contributed 16.3 GW last year, comprising 7.6 GW from PM-KUSUM and 8.7 GW from rooftop solar.
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is touching 5.6 million beneficiaries.
- The 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 will be held from 21st to 23rd October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Exam Angle
A. From 21st to 23rd October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Source: Press Information Bureau