Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi underscored the critical role of renewable energy in building climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening rural livelihoods and enhancing energy security, while addressing the Inter-ministerial Dialogue on Scaling Renewable Energy in Agrifood Systems. The dialogue was jointly convened by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Addressing the gathering, Joshi said that when India speaks on global platforms, it represents nearly one-sixth of humanity, some of the world’s largest food security programmes and one of the fastest-growing renewable energy markets. Emphasising the country’s agrarian ethos, he noted that Indian farmers, traditionally revered as Annadata, are increasingly becoming Urjadata by contributing to both food production and clean energy generation through distributed renewable energy solutions.

The Minister said renewable energy offers a comprehensive solution to the interconnected challenges of energy access, climate action, agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. India’s strategy, he added, is driven by ambitious targets supported by strong policy frameworks, decentralised implementation, inclusive programme design and effective inter-ministerial coordination.

Highlighting flagship initiatives, Joshi referred to the PM-KUSUM scheme, launched in 2019, which integrates solar energy into agriculture through standalone solar pumps, solarisation of grid-connected pumps and decentralised solar power plants. As of late 2025, nearly one million standalone solar pumps have been installed and more than 1.1 million grid-connected pumps solarised, adding over 10,200 MW of capacity. The scheme has reduced diesel dependence, stabilised irrigation costs, lowered emissions and shifted support towards long-term asset creation.

The Minister also highlighted initiatives such as surplus solar power sale by farmers, the National Bioenergy Programme and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which have improved rural incomes and energy security. Looking ahead, he announced plans for PM-KUSUM 2.0, with a focus on decentralised solar solutions and agri-photovoltaics, enabling agriculture and solar power generation to coexist.

On the sidelines of the 16th IRENA Assembly, Joshi also met Elín Rós, Director General, International Development Cooperation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, to discuss strengthening cooperation on geothermal energy deployment in India.