Day 2 Highlights State Leadership, Next-Gen Technology, and Blended Finance Mechanisms

The second day of the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026 accelerated cross-sectoral engagement across state policy leadership, technological innovation, private sector engagement and climate finance solutions.

A dedicated ministerial track, co-organised by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), brought together State Ministers of Energy and Agriculture from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar to present state-level approaches for accelerating agrivoltaic deployment. The session served as a platform for states to showcase investment opportunities, highlighting innovative land-use models, state-level tariff incentives, and adaptation of the PM-KUSUM scheme to local agricultural conditions and crop profiles. Discussions underscored the growing role of sub-national governments in creating enabling environments for agrivoltaic investments.

Shri Arvind Kumar Sharma, Minister of Energy, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the state’s vast agricultural base, diverse cropping patterns and expanding solar infrastructure as key advantages for agrivoltaics. He emphasised that generating solar power alongside cultivation would optimise land use and create an additional income stream for farmers. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s progress in rooftop solar and grid infrastructure, he noted that Green Energy Corridor-III would further strengthen power evacuation for renewable energy projects. He also stressed the need for financing models and technologies suited to small and marginal farmers, who account for nearly 80% of agricultural holdings in the state. Inviting investors to explore these opportunities, he said, “The potential for agrivoltaics is enormous. Those who wish to be associated with agrivoltaics need to look towards Uttar Pradesh.” He also assured investors of the state’s support for grid connectivity and power evacuation.

Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the state’s plan to solarise all 16 lakh agricultural tubewells whose electricity bills have been waived, supported by dedicated grid infrastructure. He emphasised that farmers’ land ownership rights must be protected and called for structured training on crop selection and agrivoltaic practices. He proposed leveraging Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities and technical institutions to build farmers’ capacity, while integrating agrivoltaics with agricultural diversification and existing farmer-support initiatives. Highlighting the central role of farmers in the state’s economy, he said, “The agriculture of Uttar Pradesh and its farmers are, in a way, the lifeblood of our economic system.” He also assured farmers that ownership of their land would remain protected.

Shri Rakesh Shukla, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the state’s efforts to advance agrivoltaics, solar deployment and battery storage as part of its farmer-welfare agenda, with 2026 being observed as the Year of Farmer Welfare in Madhya Pradesh. He noted that cultivation beneath solar panels had begun at several locations and that the state was progressing with battery-storage projects, for which the tendering process had been completed. He also highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s wider renewable energy infrastructure, including the Omkareshwar project. Emphasising the state’s progress in agrivoltaics, he said, “In the agricultural sector, we have some plants where farming takes place beneath solar panels. Such projects have begun at a few locations in Madhya Pradesh, and we are continuously progressing in this direction, including in battery storage, for which we have also completed the tendering process.”

Shri Shailesh Kumar Mandal, Minister of Energy, Bihar, highlighted the state’s efforts to strengthen agricultural electricity infrastructure through feeder separation and solarisation. He noted that Bihar had advanced work on approximately 2,700 agricultural feeders, with the state government approving financial support for their solarisation. Emphasising Bihar’s longstanding familiarity with solar energy and its commitment to expanding renewable energy access, he said, “Solar energy and sunlight are not new concepts in Bihar; this tradition has existed there for centuries.” He reiterated the state government’s commitment to taking forward agricultural feeder solarisation through an innovative approach.

Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister of Agriculture, Bihar, highlighted agrivoltaics as an opportunity to enhance farmers’ incomes, promote crop diversification and generate rural employment. He emphasised the need to strengthen research, farmer awareness and training through collaboration among agricultural institutions, financial institutions and energy enterprises. He also highlighted Bihar’s contribution to the country’s workforce as an opportunity to support wider adoption and implementation of agrivoltaics. He said, “A large pool of workers comes from Bihar and contributes to the workforce across the country. Many states rely on this workforce from Bihar.”

Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha, announced that the state is finalising its dedicated Agrivoltaics Policy 2026, with a target of 1 GW by 2030. The proposed policy will require at least 90% of project sites to remain cultivable, safeguard farmer consent and crop insurance, and allow farmers to own projects or lease their land while continuing cultivation. To attract investment, Odisha plans to provide 25-year power purchase agreements through GRIDCO, grid connectivity and investment incentives. Highlighting the policy’s importance for investors, he said, “It gives investors certainty: 25 years of PPA with GRIDCO, an offtake guarantee, grid connectivity and the freedom of open access and competitive use.” He also announced that Odisha is finalising its dedicated Agrivoltaics Policy 2026, positioning the state to establish a policy framework specifically for agrivoltaics.

 The Agrivoltaics Pitch-Hub was curated by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) where early-stage innovators and start-ups pitched bankable, dual-use agrivoltaic solutions before an expert jury comprising national institutes (NISE, NIBE), venture capitalists, and industry leaders.

Fraunhofer ISE and Sunseed APV demonstrated next-generation solutions, including advanced solar tracking systems, dynamic panel tilting, semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) modules, and micro-climate soil sensors engineered specifically for tropical and arid conditions.

Hosted by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, the dialogue brought together Indian and international developers, including NTPC Green Energy, First Solar, and leading European firms to discuss supply chain localisation, standards development, and market certainty.

An executive roundtable convened representatives from multilateral development banks, financial institutions, and commercial lenders, including the World Bank, KfW, European Investment Bank, and IREDA.

Participants examined financial mechanisms needed to accelerate agrivoltaic deployment, including risk-mitigation instruments, concessional lending facilities, and blended finance structures capable of mobilising private investment at scale.

Bringing a vital youth perspective to the global stage, acclaimed actress and UNDP India Youth Champion Sanjana Sanghi joined the Conference for an exclusive fireside chat. Sanghi advocated for youth-led community strategies and spotlighted the intersection of food security, renewable energy, and youth mobilisation. She emphasised how agrivoltaics contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while directly empowering and securing livelihoods for rural youth.

The day concluded with an interactive Digital Poster Gallery, showcasing operational agrivoltaic projects and lessons from global case studies, providing participants with practical insights into implementation and scale-up strategies.