India, as an agrarian nation, is witnessing a transformative shift in its agricultural landscape with the integration of renewable energy and productive use appliances. In the pursuit of sustainable practices, the adoption of clean energy solutions plays a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing dependency on traditional power sources, and mitigating environmental impact. In this blog let us explore the significant impact of renewables and productive use appliances on sustainable agriculture in India, supported by compelling statistics.
India’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its ambitious targets and policies. According to recent statistics, India is among the top countries globally in terms of renewable energy capacity. As of October 2023, the country has 178.98 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, comprising solar, wind, and other sources. This shift towards clean energy aligns with the goal of ensuring energy security and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with traditional agricultural practices.
The integration of productive use appliances, powered by renewable energy, brings about a paradigm shift in agriculture. The key PURE appliances including solar pumps and solar cold storage units are becoming instrumental in enhancing productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving overall efficiency in the agricultural value chain.
Solar Water Pumps: Harnessing abundant sunlight, solar water pumps offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources. As per recent statistics 5.5. million SWPs are installed in India, benefiting thousands of farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. This transformative shift not only reduces dependence on conventional energy but also positively impacts the livelihoods of farmers, particularly in remote areas with limited access to power infrastructure.
Figure 1. SWPs installed by State in India (Source: Statista)
Solar Cold Storage: As per FAO, almost 40% of the fresh fruits and vegetables worth 8.3 billion are lost as post-harvest losses, a longstanding challenge in Indian agriculture. The implementation of solar-powered cold storage units emerges as a promising solution as it not only ensures better income for farmers but also contributes to food security on a larger scale. However, certain challenges like high cost and market linkages need to be addressed to achieve their full potential.
“We urgently need to accelerate the build-up of solar energy, especially in developing countries and in applications that influence the daily lives of those without access to reliable energy – such as getting electricity from solar mini-grids, powering agricultural pumps, and running cold storages.”
– Director General of International Solar Alliance, Dr. Ajay Mathur at the 6th Session of ISA at New Delhi
The statistics presented underscore the transformative potential of renewables and productive use appliances in Indian agriculture. As the nation strives for sustainable development, the continued adoption of clean energy solutions holds the key to ensuring food security, increasing farmers’ income, and mitigating the environmental impact of traditional farming practices. The power of renewables is not just in generating electricity; it’s in cultivating a greener, more sustainable future for India’s agriculture.