PM-KUSUM 2.0 announcement likely soon; agrivoltaics to get dedicated component

Published 2026-09-11 · Updated 2026-09-11 · 3 min · 531 words

What does this development mean for UPSC preparation?

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that PM-KUSUM 2.0 is likely to be launched soon, with a dedicated agrivoltaics component.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that PM-KUSUM 2.0 is likely to be launched soon, with a dedicated agrivoltaics component.

Government schemes for agriculture and renewable energy; sustainable development; technology in agriculture.

Important for questions on renewable energy in agriculture, agrivoltaics, and inclusive growth for small farmers.

PM-KUSUM 2.0 to include agrivoltaics component.

The next phase of PM-KUSUM will have a dedicated component for agrivoltaics, combining farming with solar power generation.

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) was launched in 2019 to promote solar energy in agriculture.
The scheme has three components: installation of decentralized solar power plants, standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps, and solarisation of grid-connected agricultural pumps.

Agrivoltaics refers to the simultaneous use of land for agriculture and solar photovoltaic power generation.
Decentralised solar power plants are small-scale installations that generate electricity close to the point of use, reducing transmission losses.

State nodal agencies and distribution companies (DISCOMs) are involved in implementation at the state level.

Agrivoltaics can increase land-use efficiency and provide additional income to farmers through solar power generation.
The expansion of solar pumps may reduce the subsidy burden on state governments for electricity supply to agriculture.

Solarisation of agriculture can reduce carbon emissions by replacing diesel pumps and grid electricity from fossil fuels.
Agrivoltaics may help in water conservation by providing shade, reducing evaporation from soil and crops.
The scheme promotes renewable energy, aligning with India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Potential land-use conflicts may arise if agrivoltaics is not carefully planned to avoid compromising agricultural productivity.

The success of PM-KUSUM 2.0 depends on effective coordination between central and state agencies for implementation.
The scheme's expansion may require capacity building of DISCOMs to manage distributed solar generation.

Research on agrivoltaic suitability for different crops and climates is crucial for optimising the technology.
The minister's call for deeper studies highlights the need for region-specific agrivoltaic designs.
Technological innovations in solar panel design can minimise shading impacts on crop growth.
Data from pilot projects can inform policy decisions and scaling up of agrivoltaics.

Agrivoltaics can address the dual challenge of energy security and agricultural sustainability.
The scheme can reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture while enhancing farmer incomes.
Decentralised solar power can improve energy access in rural areas and reduce transmission losses.

High initial costs of solar infrastructure may deter small farmers despite subsidies.
Agrivoltaics may reduce crop yields if not properly designed for specific crops and regions.
The success of the scheme depends on the financial health of DISCOMs and their ability to integrate distributed generation.

Conduct extensive research on agrivoltaic designs suitable for different agro-climatic zones.
Strengthen capacity building of state nodal agencies and DISCOMs for effective implementation.
Promote pilot projects to generate data on agrivoltaic performance and farmer adoption.
Ensure convergence with other agricultural schemes to maximise benefits for farmers.

Primary/reference source: thehindu.com