New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi emphasized India's dedication to merging renewable energy with agricultural practices and food systems to bolster energy security, enhance climate resilience, and improve rural livelihoods.

The minister spoke at the inter-ministerial dialogue regarding Scaling Renewable Energy in Agrifood Systems, organized collaboratively by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Abu Dhabi.

Joshi mentioned the PM-KUSUM scheme, which brings solar energy into farming via standalone solar pumps, solarization of grid-connected pumps, and decentralized solar power plants.

As of late 2025, around one million standalone solar pumps have been installed, with over 1.1 million grid-connected pumps solarized, resulting in more than 10,200 MW of installed capacity.

The scheme has decreased reliance on diesel, stabilized irrigation costs, reduced emissions, and shifted fiscal aid from ongoing subsidies to long-term asset-based investments, according to an official statement.

Joshi pointed out that when India addresses global platforms, it represents nearly one-sixth of humanity and some of the largest food security initiatives, along with one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sectors.

Highlighting India's agrarian culture, he noted that farmers, honored as Annadata, are increasingly becoming Urjadata, providers of both food and clean energy through the growth of distributed renewable energy, as stated in the announcement.

The Minister stressed that renewable energy presents a collective solution to the multifaceted global challenge of providing energy access, tackling climate change, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing rural livelihoods simultaneously.

On attracting private investment, Joshi highlighted initiatives like the surplus solar power sale by farmers, the National Bioenergy Programme for converting agricultural waste into energy, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar, which have created new revenue streams, minimized imports, and reinforced rural energy security.

The Union Minister announced plans for PM-KUSUM 2.0, focusing on decentralized solar solutions and agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV), allowing agricultural practices and solar power generation to coexist. Well-structured agri-PV systems, he asserted, can sustain or boost crop yields, moderate micro-climates, generate clean electricity, and diversify farmer incomes.

Concluding his remarks, the minister reaffirmed India's eagerness to strengthen partnerships and scale solutions, asserting that with abundant sunshine and over 146 million small landholdings, the nation is well-equipped to become a global leader in renewable energy-enhanced agrifood systems.

On the sidelines of the 16th Assembly of IRENA, Joshi met with Elín Rós, Director General of International Development Cooperation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, focusing on enhancing technical collaboration to scale geothermal energy initiatives in India as part of its clean energy transition.

In another important bilateral meeting, the Indian minister engaged with Ditte Juul Jorgenson, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission, discussing the continued progress of the India–European Union Clean Energy and Climate Partnership, with a shared focus on achieving tangible results.

He also had a fruitful discussion with Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment of the United Arab Emirates, regarding the enhancement of India–UAE collaboration in renewable energy and clean infrastructure.