Telangana Plans to Make Solar Power Farmers’ Third Source of Income Through Agrivoltaics Initiative

The Telangana government is taking a major step toward integrating agriculture and renewable energy by promoting agrivoltaics, a model that enables farmers to generate income from both farming and solar power on the same land. Under the initiative, the state aims to transform solar energy into a third source of income for farmers, alongside crop cultivation and livestock activities. As part of the program, Telangana will conduct demonstrations and capacity-building activities for at least 500 farmers, helping them understand how solar installations can coexist with agricultural production.

The initiative aligns with Telangana’s broader renewable energy ambitions and its efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods. Agrivoltaic systems involve installing elevated solar panels above agricultural fields, allowing crops to continue growing underneath while generating clean electricity. The model has gained global attention for improving land-use efficiency and creating additional revenue opportunities for farmers. By combining solar generation with agriculture, farmers can earn recurring income from power generation without sacrificing productive farmland.

Telangana has already emerged as one of India’s leading solar states, with an installed solar capacity of approximately 5.4 GW and ambitious plans for further renewable energy expansion. State agencies are also actively implementing farmer-focused schemes such as PM-KUSUM, which enables farmers to set up decentralized solar power plants and sell electricity to distribution companies. According to officials, expanding agrivoltaics could support rural economic development while helping the state meet its clean energy targets.

The proposed program reflects a growing national trend of using renewable energy to enhance farm incomes and rural sustainability. With solar power becoming an additional revenue stream, farmers can reduce dependence on seasonal crop earnings while contributing to India’s energy transition. If successfully implemented at scale, Telangana’s agrivoltaic initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to combine agricultural productivity, energy security, and climate resilience.

Resource: Saur Energy

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