Awareness raising workshop for farmers on KUSUM component A in Hayathnagar, Hyderabad

On 10th June 2024, GIZ India and KVK Hayathnagar, Hyderabad collaborated to organize one-day awareness workshop aimed at enlightening farmers about the transformative potential of Agriculture Photo Voltaic (AgriPV) under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Component A. This initiative by the seeks to promote sustainable energy practices within the agriculture sector, thereby reducing costs and enhancing productivity.

PM KUSUM Component A focuses on promoting the installation of solar power projects on barren or cultivable lands. It aims to provide financial support and incentives to farmers to generate solar power, which can be utilized to meet their own energy needs as well as to sell surplus power to the grid, thereby generating additional income.

The workshop, held at KVK Hayathnagar, brought together 30 farmers from various regions of Telangana. Its objective was twofold: firstly, to educate farmers on the benefits and operational aspects of AgriPV systems under PM KUSUM Component A, and secondly, to identify farmers in need of support to integrate renewable energy solutions with their agricultural practices.

Participants were provided with comprehensive information on PM KUSUM Component A, accompanied by a site visit to PJTSAU Telangana, where a 10 kW Agri PV system is currently installed. This visit allowed farmers to witness firsthand the application of solar technology in agriculture.

The event also featured esteemed guests including Dr. Shaik N. Meera from ICAR-ATARI, Dr. M. Srinivasa Rao from ICAR-CRIDA, and Dr. D K Singh from IARI, among others. These experts highlighted the potential of renewable energy adoption in agriculture to reduce operational costs and enhance income generation from the same land.

Dr. D K Singh emphasized the urgent need for leveraging solar and wind power to minimize cultivation costs, stressing the role of PM KUSUM Component A in providing additional income streams for farmers.

Dr. Shaik N. Meera underscored the benefits of PM KUSUM in reducing both cultivation and irrigation expenses. He advocated for flexibility in the policy framework to support diverse farming practices, including group farming initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a spirited discussion where farmers provided valuable feedback and suggestions for facilitative wide-spread adoption of AgriPV in India. Their inputs, ranging from technical refinements to practical implementation strategies, are set to enrich future iterations of the scheme.

In essence, the workshop served as an important platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through renewable energy solutions. By harnessing solar power under PM KUSUM, India's farming community stands poised to achieve greater resilience, profitability, and environmental stewardship in the years to come.