• India deepens agri‑voltaics cooperation for the Global South
  • 7th Agri‑Voltaics World Conference concludes with a call to accelerate farmer‑focused solutions; France to host the 8th Agri‑Voltaics in 2027

The 7th Agri‑Voltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026, organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, has concluded. During the event India placed the priorities of farmers and the ‘Global South’ (developing countries) at the centre of discussions on agri‑voltaics (the combination of agriculture and solar energy). Over three days, scientific deliberations, farmer experiences and industry participation focused on how agricultural land can be used for both food production and solar power, boosting farmer incomes and accelerating the shift to clean energy.

The conference highlighted India’s role as a platform that links research, field experience and international partnerships. Policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, development partners and farmers examined how agri‑voltaics can address challenges such as food security, energy access and climate‑change resilience in India and other Global South nations.

Implementation was given primary emphasis. Discussions covered agri‑climatic zones, crop selection, efficient water use, innovative financing and technology, prioritising farmer‑centred models. The talks stressed the need for solutions that each country can adopt according to its agricultural conditions and development priorities.

In a joint session organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), participants examined how agri‑climatic zones can guide agri‑voltaics deployment. Topics included shade‑tolerant crops, water‑efficiency metrics and the micro‑climatic impacts of solar panels across different agri‑climatic zones.

These discussions placed scientific evidence at the heart of expansion. The research dialogue positioned India’s participation as a basis for extensive knowledge exchange with Global South partner countries that wish to couple solar energy with productive agriculture. Location‑specific evidence will be essential to identify what works for farmers and where it can be applied effectively.

A special session chaired by GIZ brought together progressive farmers, farmer‑producer organisation (FPO) federations and rural entrepreneurs. Participants shared their experiences with agri‑voltaic projects, covering operational lessons, income diversification and maintenance practices.

Their inputs gave the discussion a clear practical direction: project design must align with farmer needs and on‑ground realities. For India and other Global South nations, adopting economically viable models that preserve agricultural output is essential. Farmers’ experiences should inform project design, financing and operation.

Summarising the conference proceedings and key outcomes, International Solar Alliance (ISA) Director‑General Mr Ashish Khanna outlined opportunities to advance agri‑voltaics through research, innovation and international collaboration.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Mr Mayank Tiwari, addressed participants at the closing ceremony, stressing that sustained cooperation and practical steps are needed to move these discussions forward.

The dialogues reiterated how India can contribute through mutual learning and partnerships. Linking Indian research and farmer experience with international expertise can help develop agri‑voltaic solutions tailored to the diverse agricultural and energy needs of the Global South.

Special guests presented Excellence Awards to outstanding contributors in the agri‑voltaics sector. The ‘National Agri‑Voltaics Pitch‑Hub Award’ honoured promising ventures and startup innovations with the potential to scale practical solutions.

Under six scientific themes, ‘Best Paper Awards’ were given for research on system design, agronomy, monitoring, business models and socio‑economic equity. These awards recognised researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs turning scientific knowledge into practical progress in agriculture and renewable energy.

The closing ceremony formally handed over the responsibility of hosting the 8th Agri‑Voltaics World Conference in 2027 to France, extending the momentum generated in New Delhi and accelerating international efforts to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and promote agri‑voltaic solutions across varied agricultural settings.

Ms Tyana Dikhof, Counsellor and Head of the Climate and Environment Division at the German Embassy in India, presented a vote of thanks at the closing of the ceremony.

The message from New Delhi was clear: deliver agri‑voltaics to fields through solid science, practical financing and continuous farmer collaboration. By uniting these priorities, India has helped strengthen a global dialogue rooted in Global South needs. With the 2027 conference set for France, the main goal is to convert this momentum into solutions that boost land productivity, diversify farmer incomes and expand clean energy for shared prosperity.