Renewable Energy Vital for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Joshi

14 Jan 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Energy

03 Feb 2026

Exide Launches AGMi AGM Batteries for Premium Cars

Exide Industries Limited has recently announced the launch of Exide AGMi, an advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery range for the Indian automotive aftermarket, addressing the increasing power requirements of modern, technology-driven passenger vehicles. The Exide AGMi range features spill-proof AGM-VRLA technology, offering enhanced safety, higher cranking power, up to three times longer cycle life compared to conventional batteries, and superior vibration resistance. The portfolio is available in DIN 50, DIN 60, DIN 70, DIN 80 and DIN 95 variants, covering applications from mass-market ..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Feb 2026

Blue Dart Q3 FY26 Profit at Rs 700 million on Steady Demand

Blue Dart Express Ltd, South Asia’s express air and integrated transportation and distribution major, recently announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The company reported a profit after tax of Rs 700 million for the quarter, while revenue from operations stood at Rs 16.16 billion. Performance during the period was supported by stable domestic demand and disciplined cost management across operations. Commenting on the results, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, said the quarter reflected resilient domestic demand, with growing contributions from Tier 2 and ..

Real Estate

03 Feb 2026

HIL Commences Toll Operations at Kaza Fee Plaza on NH-16

Highway Infrastructure Limited (HIL), an integrated infrastructure development and management company, has recently commenced toll operations at the Kaza Fee Plaza on the Chilakaluripet–Vijayawada section of National Highway-16 in Andhra Pradesh, effective 23 January 2026. The project spans from Km 355.0 to Km 437.5 on NH-16, covering an aggregate length of 82.5 km. NH-16 is a critical north–south corridor connecting major economic centres across southern and eastern India and forms a vital part of the national logistics and passenger transport network. This marks HIL’s first toll oper..