What is the Potential of Solar Energy in Agriculture?
Solar energy is an excellent option for the requirements for energy supply and power at farms for agriculture. Numerous solar energy absorption devices and systems are being created and are currently in development to be used in agricultural applications. This includes:
Solar Pumping System: It’s beneficial to manage India’s already strained water system.
In particular, solar pumps could serve as lifters of water for irrigation canals and effectively distribute water throughout regions where traditional water systems do not be accessed, like the higher hilly areas.
Solar Crop Drying Different solar dryers are available for various applications. They are suitable for drying agricultural goods such as grains, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and other crops.
Solar Spraying: The sun pesticide sprayer machines can boost the efficiency of small farmers.
Most pesticide spraying is performed during the day, and these sprayers could be employed to directly capture solar energy that prevents the installation of batteries into these sprayers.
Solar Powered Tractors: Tractors changed agriculture farming to Agro-industry through various jobs with the help of multiple instruments and devices.
Usually, Tractors consume oil to operate and run, which increases the cost of farming and can also cause pollution. Pollution in the air by releasing carbon dioxide during combustion.
Tractors powered by solar energy are ideal for directly working under the sun, taking in solar energy during the day, and working through the night with the energy stored in batteries.
What are the challenges of integrating Solar Energy with India’s Agriculture Sector?
Land Scarcity: The per capita availability of land could be much better in India. It is already a finite resource in India. Its demand ranges from Industries, farmers, commercial and service companies, and the government.
The granting of land near substations to the exclusive solar cells may compete with other needs that require land.
Export-Driven Market: Manufacturers focus primarily on export markets, where they purchase solar cells and modules at a higher price, thus increasing their earnings.
A lot of new suppliers have agreements with foreign players from Europe as well as in the United States, thereby placing a higher priority on export demand. This could result in a lower supply for India’s rapidly growing domestic market.
Grid Integration The most significant challenge facing the solar industry involves grid integration that spans the entire length and breadth of the country as well as the financial conditions of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
The absence of Solar Waste Management Policy: India has no Solar waste policy to complement ambitious solar power installation targets.
Solar waste is electronic waste produced by solar panels that have been discarded. It could increase by at minimum four-five-fold throughout the time it reaches the next decade.
Commercial Viability and Utility: The method of producing solar energy is still to be refined to make it commercially feasible in India.
In terms of topography or climate as well sun rays are not accessible in any one area all year.
Additionally, many people, particularly farmers, are yet to be informed and convinced of its benefits and utility.
Contrary to thermal energy plants, Solar Power is consumed by consumers, and consequently, people’s participation and acceptance are the key factors to its future success.
What are the Related Government Schemes to Enhance Solar Energy Production in India?
Incentive-Based Expansion Policies: Transformation from non-renewable energy- A system based on agricultural production based on a renewable energy system imposes several challenges.
RE transitions must be quick but well-organized and should be supported by incentive-based policies to build a solar energy network throughout the country.
Solar Energy – Multi-potential candidate for development: Solar energy is an attractive option for supplying the energy requirements for domestic utility and power electric motor vehicles while also fulfilling the demands for cooling and heating in the near future.
Better Financing and Training: India requires better infrastructure for financing, designs, and arrangements that can spur the growth of the Solar business at the village level.
It is vital to develop and train human resources and provide training to youth in rural areas to help villages become self-sufficient when it comes to managing solar energy devices.
Consumer Awareness: It is essential to raise awareness among the public regarding the benefits of technology, its economics, and the right way to use it.
“Solar Mascot for Har Khet Main Saur Urja” could be used in rural regions to raise awareness about the possibilities of Solar Energy in agriculture and energy management.
Linking Solar Energy Goals to the current missions: Missions like ‘Make in India,’ “Smart city mission,” and ‘Digital India’ It is possible to integrate the Off-grid systems, which could cause “Grid prepared India.’
If these plans are carried out in the manner they are planned, it’s just a matter of time before India becomes one of the leaders in the world concerning Solar Energy.
Agri-business in line with Solar Production: There should be a unified use of land for agriculture and electric power production through solar energy.
It is a solution for the cultivation of food crops, and in the process, it also provides electricity generation considering water conservation and soil protection.
This will enhance the sustainability of water, food, energy, and food, as well as the climate, while achieving the different Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
