The Parliamentary Estimates Committee, led by Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, visited the Sunmaster Agrivoltaics Plant in Delhi to review the progress of government schemes PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The visit aimed to demonstrate the potential of agrivoltaics technology, which combines solar power generation with agricultural activities to improve land productivity and farmers’ income. The committee comprising members of parliament and senior officials were greeted by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, who briefed them on the PM-KUSUM scheme’s focus on delivering clean energy to farmers while supporting energy and food security.
The visitors observed the stilt-based agrivoltaics model, which offers a cost-effective and efficient way to use land, aligning with the goals of the PM-KUSUM scheme to improve sustainability in agriculture. Committee members interacted with local farmers, learning about the economic and practical benefits of using solar systems in farming and irrigation. They also participated in a tree plantation activity and a tractor ride with the local farmers.
Dr. Jaiswal praised the efforts of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and its partners in implementing these schemes. He emphasized the potential of agrivoltaics in transforming rural India and recommended further research to assess its scalability. The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating clean energy with rural development.