AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: WATER MANAGEMENT, CROP PRODUCTIVITY, FARM ECONOMICS, AND SMALLHOLDER ADOPTION IN INDIA - A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Agrivoltaic (APV) systems offer a sustainable solution to the increasing problems of food security, water scarcity, energy demand and climate change by merging agricultural production with photovoltaic electricity generation. This paper summarizes the present progress in agrivoltaic systems with a focus on water management, crop productivity, farm economics and smallholder uptake in India. Agrivoltaic systems achieve varying levels of crop productivity, depending on the environment, shading intensity, crop and system. In general, moderate shade improves crop yields and promotes the production of renewable energy. We study the economic potential of agrivoltaics using techno economic indicators, land-use efficiency and income diversification, and governmental efforts to support its adoption such as PM-KUSUM. It also discusses issues such as large upfront costs, dispersed landholdings, lack of technical know-how, and crop-specific design specifications. The review concludes that agrivoltaic systems hold great promise for improving the relationship between food, energy, and water and for advancing resource-efficient, economically viable, and climate-resilient agriculture in India.