Odisha Agri-PV Policy 2026: first state agrivoltaics policy, 1 GW target
Why in the news
Odisha has finalised its Agri-PV Policy 2026, presented on 22 October 2026 at the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference in New Delhi. The state says it is the first in India to frame a policy devoted fully to agrivoltaics, that is, growing crops and generating solar power on the same land.
Key facts
- Announced by: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also handles Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy.
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, at a ministerial session co-organised by MNRE, IISD and CEEW.
- Vision: “One Field, Two Harvests”.
- Land rule: at least 90% of each project area must remain under active farming; the land keeps its agricultural status and crop insurance eligibility.
- Power sale: 25-year PPAs with GRIDCO, plus guaranteed offtake, grid connection and open access.
- Farmer models: own the solar system and earn from both crops and power, or lease land to a developer for rent.
- Convergence: can be combined with support for solar pumps, drip irrigation, cold storage and agro-processing.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Capacity target | 1 GW by 2030 |
| Minimum area under crops | 90% |
| PPA tenure | 25 years |
| Existing pilot | 1 MW |
| RE Investor Conclave (Feb 2026) | Rs 67,000 crore pledges, 6.8 GW |
About the policy
The policy builds on Odisha’s Renewable Energy Policy 2022. Raised panels are expected to cool the field, reduce soil moisture loss and shield crops and workers from heat. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, is a research partner for testing designs.
Exam angle
- Agrivoltaics = dual use of farmland for crops and solar power.
- Note the numbers: 1 GW, 2030, 90%, 25-year PPA, GRIDCO.
- Odisha says the policy gives farm needs priority in deciding where solar panels go.