Renewable Energy Can Make Farmers Energy Providers, Says Pralhad Joshi at IRENA–FAO Dialogue

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi highlighted the role of decentralised renewable energy in transforming Indian farmers from Annadata (food providers) to Urjadata (energy providers), as India accelerates the integration of clean energy across agriculture and agrifood systems.

Addressing the Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Scaling Renewable Energy in Agrifood Systems, jointly organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Abu Dhabi, Joshi said that renewable energy offers a single solution to multiple global challenges, including energy access, climate action, agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

The Minister said that when India speaks on global platforms, it represents nearly one-sixth of humanity and some of the world’s largest food security programmes, alongside one of the fastest-growing renewable energy markets. He underlined that distributed renewable energy is enabling farmers to generate clean power in addition to producing food, supported by strong policy frameworks, decentralised implementation and inter-ministerial coordination.

Highlighting the PM-KUSUM scheme, launched in 2019 to integrate solar energy into agriculture, Joshi said the programme has played a central role in reducing diesel dependence and stabilising irrigation costs. As of late 2025, nearly one million standalone solar pumps have been installed across the country, while over 1.1 million grid-connected agricultural pumps have been solarised, contributing more than 10,200 MW of installed capacity.

He said the scheme has also helped lower emissions and shift government support from recurring subsidies towards long-term asset-based investments. According to the Minister, policy consistency and aggregation of agricultural demand through national schemes have improved project bankability and attracted private investment in the sector.

Joshi added that initiatives such as allowing farmers to sell surplus solar power, the National Bioenergy Programme for converting agricultural residues into energy, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar have created new income streams for rural households while strengthening energy security and reducing import dependence.

Looking ahead, the Minister said that the government is preparing to roll out PM-KUSUM 2.0, with a renewed focus on decentralised solar solutions and agri-photovoltaics, which allow agriculture and solar power generation to coexist on the same land. He said well-designed agri-PV systems can help maintain or enhance crop yields, moderate micro-climates, generate clean electricity and diversify farmer incomes.

“With abundant sunshine and over 146 million small landholdings, India is well positioned to emerge as a global leader in renewable energy-enabled agrifood systems,” Joshi said.

On the sidelines of the 16th Assembly of IRENA, the Minister also held a series of bilateral meetings. These included discussions with Iceland on technical cooperation to scale geothermal energy deployment in India, talks with the European Commission on strengthening the India–EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership, and engagements with the UAE’s Minister of Investment to expand cooperation in renewable energy and clean infrastructure.

Joshi also visited the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, where he noted the presence of Indian art and cultural exhibits reflecting the country’s civilisational heritage.