Renewable Energy - Revolutionizing Indian Agriculture

Abstract

With the largest population of 1.45 billion in the world, India is a lowermiddle income country with GNI per capita of USD 2650. It is also the fastest growing economies in the world with a growth rate of 6.5% in 2024 and aspires to be a developed by 2047. However, India chooses to grow in a clean, sustainable way aimed to be net zero by 2070. Solar and wind energy plays a major role in decarbonization pathways and has a target of 500 GW of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Agri sector in India employs over 43% workforce and contributes 16.4% to the economy is in FY 2024. That signifies how the agricultural sector is the backbone of rural livelihoods and food security. Close to 60% of the agriculture in India is rainfed. However, the rainfall patterns have changed due to climate change. In this background, renewable energy, particularly the solar energy is emerging as a welcome change offering clean, decentralized and affordable energy for the farmers. Yet, it has both pross and cons. Let us first discuss the advantages first.