States Accelerate Policy and Investment for Agrivoltaics

On the second day of the Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026, momentum was gained for cross-sectoral linkages involving state policy leadership, technological innovation, private sector participation, and climate finance. In a ministerial session co-hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), energy and agriculture ministers from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar presented state-level approaches for agrivoltaic implementation. Discussions focused on investment opportunities, land-use models, tariff incentives, and the adaptation of the PM-KUSUM scheme to suit local agriculture and crop conditions.

Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma highlighted the state's agricultural base, diverse cropping patterns, and expanding solar infrastructure as advantages for agrivoltaics. He stated that generating solar electricity alongside farming could ensure better land use and provide additional income to farmers. Referring to progress in rooftop solar and grid infrastructure, he noted that the Green Energy Corridor-III would strengthen power evacuation for renewable energy projects. Noting that small and marginal farmers constitute nearly 80% of agricultural landholders in the state, he emphasized the need for tailored credit and technology for them. Inviting investors to explore opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, he assured state support for grid connectivity and power evacuation.

Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi outlined a plan to solarize all 16 lakh agricultural tubewells in the state, for which electricity bills have been waived, through dedicated grid infrastructure. He pointed out the need for protecting farmers' land ownership rights, crop selection, and structured training regarding agrivoltaic methods. Proposals were also made to enhance farmer capacity using Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities, and technical institutions, and to link agrivoltaics with agricultural diversification and farmer-centric initiatives.

Madhya Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla shared the state's efforts to advance agrivoltaics, solar deployment, and battery storage. The year 2026 is being observed as ‘Farmer Welfare Year’ in Madhya Pradesh. He mentioned that farming has already commenced under solar panels in some locations and that the tendering process for battery-storage projects has been completed. He also referred to the state's renewable energy infrastructure, including the Omkareshwar project.

Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar Mandal presented efforts to strengthen agricultural electricity infrastructure through feeder separation and solarization. The state has progressed with work on approximately 2,700 agricultural feeders and has approved financial assistance for their solarization. Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha called agrivoltaics an opportunity to increase farmers' income, promote crop diversification, and create rural employment. He highlighted the need for collaboration between agricultural and financial institutions and energy enterprises for research, farmer awareness, and training.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Dev stated that the state is finalizing its dedicated Agrivoltaics Policy 2026, which aims for a 1 GW target by 2030. According to the proposed policy, it will be mandatory to keep at least 90% of the project site land cultivable, ensure farmer consent and crop insurance protection, and provide farmers the option to either retain project ownership or lease land while continuing farming. He also mentioned plans to provide 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) through GRIDCO, grid connectivity, and investment incentives.

In the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) ‘Agrivoltaics Pitch-Hub’, early-stage researchers and startups presented bankable, dual-use solutions to an expert jury. The jury included representatives from NISE, NIBE, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. Fraunhofer ISE and Sunseed APV demonstrated advanced solar tracking, dynamic panel tilting, semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) modules, and micro-climate soil sensors for tropical and arid conditions.

In a dialogue organized by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, developers including NTPC Green Energy, First Solar, and European companies discussed supply chain localization, standards, and market certainty. At the executive roundtable, representatives from institutions including the World Bank, KfW, European Investment Bank, and IREDA discussed risk mitigation tools, concessional lending, and blended finance frameworks for large-scale private investment.

In a fireside chat, actress and UNDP India Youth Champion Sanjana Sanghi emphasized youth-led community strategies and the link between food security, renewable energy, and youth engagement. She stated that agrivoltaics could contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while empowering rural youth and securing livelihoods. The day concluded with an interactive digital poster gallery showcasing lessons learned from active projects and global case studies.