Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi today said that solar irrigation can revolutionise India’s agriculture and energy sectors. Addressing the 4th National Agro- RE Summit in New Delhi today, Mr Joshi emphasised that solar irrigation can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming while strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity.

 

The Minister noted that solar irrigation can ensure reliable irrigation for farmers during the daytime. He informed that in the past decade,  India’s installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources has increased from 81 gigawatts to nearly 275 gigawatts.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Joshi asserted that with continued economic expansion, the nation’s energy demand will rise further. He said that according to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India could surpass the energy demand of other developed countries by 2040.

 

During the event, Mr Joshi also interacted with the farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of PM Kusum scheme.