How To Amplify Agricultural Growth In India With Solar Energy

The annual meeting at the World Economic Forum held last month revealed some shocking facts about India and the economy of the world as a whole. The Oxfam survey showed that the richest 1% in India are accounted for 73% of the wealth that is generated by the country. This puts forward an appalling trend of the Indian economy in terms of income inequality. Recommendations from the government to reduce this trend is to improve the promotion of labor intensive sectors and investment in the field of agriculture.

The first step towards this recommendation is investing in solar energy. But, the solar parks takes around 160,000 to 200,000 acres of land which lies unutilised and the income raised for farmers is only marginal. This is where the concept of polyhouse can step in to rescue the farmers. A polyhouse is a space that is enclosed to help grow a variety of plants by perennially controlling the factors such as ambient temperature, air flow, humidity and lighting conditions. With the help of polyhouses, there is a five fold increase in the agricultural yield and as a result, revenue per acre of land. Both the central and state government are encouraging the use of polyhouses by giving 40-60% capital subsidies on investments made by farmers on polyhouses. It is a win-win situation for both the farmers and government as the former have to give up their land and the latter has to work on their solar projects.

By: Neha Maheshwari

Content: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/heres-a-way-to-boost-agriculture-growth-in-india-with-the-help-of-solar-energy/articleshow/63555442.cms