By Sheikh Madiha Syed, Analyst, Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy
Nestled in the Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) offers ideal conditions for solar energy, with abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures. Yet, it remains at a critical energy crossroads, having harnessed only a small share of its solar potential. With just around 75 MW of installed solar capacity, mainly from rooftop solar, against a target of 620 MW, the gap is stark. Agrivoltaics presents a promising and innovative solution, particularly wellsuited to J&K’s diverse and vibrant agricultural landscape, offering a way to bridge this gap and advance the region’s renewable energy goals.
Agrivoltaics, that is, the co-location of agriculture and solar photovoltaic, could offer a dual solution to promote both sustainable energy generation and resilient agricultural practices. These dual-use systems provide partial shade, reducing excessive evapotranspiration (the process by which water moves from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration), enhancing soil moisture retention and creating beneficial microclimates. Such an environment could support the cultivation of the high-value crops commonly grown in J&K, such as apple, saffron and shade-tolerant crops such as mushrooms. This synergy could support the Food–Energy–Water Nexus and key Sustainable Development Goals, while also creating local jobs through green skilling and contributing to regional development.
Agrivoltaics as a shared solution for farming and cleaner energy
In recent years, apple cultivation in J&K has been facing a mounting crisis. According to a survey, production has declined from 2,146 thousand tonnes in 2023 to 2,054 thousand tonnes in 2024, a worrying trend for the regional economy. This is driven largely by erratic weather, including intense hailstorms and sunburns. The devastating April 2025 hailstorm during peak blossom season severely damaged orchards in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures. In such situations, agrivoltaics can not only supplement farmer incomes with electricity sales but also serve as a protective canopy, shielding crops from extreme weather, especially in the absence of subsidies for hail nets.
Kashmir is widely recognised as the world’s second-largest producer of saffron, but cultivation has plummeted by 68 per cent over the last two decades owing to rainfall shortages and poor irrigation infrastructure. Output fell from 15.95 metric tonnes in the 1990s to just 2.6 tonnes in 2023–2024, as per government estimates. Erratic rainfall and rising temperatures critically dry out the soil, preventing saffron growth. Agrivoltaics can offer a promising solution by helping retain soil moisture and sustainably powering irrigation systems, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity.
Mushroom farming is also rapidly expanding in the state, with Jammu district producing 11,708 quintals in 2023-24. Most of this produce is cultivated in controlled condition rooms (CCRs), requiring significant electricity for temperature and humidity control. While traditional agrivoltaics may not apply here, solar panels on CCRs could offer a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution, with the potential to generate surplus power for sale.
Moreover, J&K suffers from some of the highest aggregate technical & commercial losses in India, reaching nearly 50 per cent in some parts. While power theft and non-payment contribute to the losses, the mountainous terrain amplifies them owing to long transmission distances. Agrivoltaics could alleviate this problem by generating power close to consumption points, reducing transmission dependence and helping distribution companies meet their renewable purchase obligations.
Challenges and the way forward
High initial investment is a major barrier to adopting agrivoltaics in J&K. The cost of installing solar panels and integrating them with agricultural activities can be prohibitive, especially for small and marginal farmers. Government recognition of agrivoltaics’ potential in J&K, supported by subsidies and viability gap funding, can help bridge the current energy-agriculture divide and drive wider adoption among farmers.
Farmer awareness and acceptance are other crucial challenges, as many would be hesitant to adopt agrivoltaics due to concerns about crop yields. Capacity-building and outreach campaigns can equip farmers with the knowledge to adopt and integrate agrivoltaics effectively. State agricultural universities should closely work with national and international experts to study the performance of key crops, such as saffron, apples and mushrooms, under agrivoltaics. Setting up and monitoring pilot projects will help generate valuable local data on crop yields and system performance. Sharing these insights with farmers can build trust and encourage adoption by demonstrating the technology’s effectiveness and local relevance.
