Next phase of PM-KUSUM may be OKed soon: Pralhad Joshi
The upcoming PM KUSUM phase will feature a dedicated agrivoltaics component for farmers. This initiative will allow farmers to earn income from generated electricity. The focus will be on small farmers, cooperatives, and panchayats. Agrivoltaics combines farming and solar power generation on the same land. More research is needed to optimize crop and solar configurations.
The upcoming phase of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM) scheme may soon receive approval, according to renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi. Joshi announced this at the opening event for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference, set to take place from October 21-23. The next phase will specifically focus on agrivoltaics, a novel approach that combines solar power generation with farming on the same land.
This initiative aims to provide farmers with additional income from the electricity produced, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers, farmer producer organisations, cooperatives, and panchayats while ensuring land ownership remains with the farmers. Joshi emphasized that solar income can offer enhanced income security for farmers, who are typically vulnerable to the uncertainties of monsoons and market prices.
To date, the rooftop program under PM KUSUM has reached 5.6 million beneficiaries. Additionally, around 29 lakh pumps have been solarized under the scheme. Joshi stressed the necessity for further research on agrivoltaics to determine the most effective configurations for various crops, climates, and regions. He cited the BAIF's Rural Innovation Centre in Pune, where researchers are evaluating 17 solar setups across 30 different crops, highlighting the significance of identifying the optimal combination of crop, panel height, spacing, tracking system, and business model for each unique farming condition.
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