GANDERBAL: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal, SKUAST-K, organized a one-day Capacity Building Workshop on Agrivoltaics in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Bengaluru, to create awareness and strengthen the technical capacity of farmers and other stakeholders on the emerging integration of agriculture with solar photovoltaic technology.
The workshop focused on the potential of agrivoltaic systems to enable simultaneous crop production and renewable energy generation from the same land, thereby promoting efficient resource utilization, diversification of farm income and climate-resilient agriculture.
The session commenced with an introduction by Dr. Faiqa Syeed, Scientist, KVK Ganderbal. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Ganderbal, emphasized the potential of agrivoltaics as a promising approach for sustainable agriculture, renewable energy generation, and additional income opportunities for farmers, particularly amid rising energy demands, climate variability, and increasing pressure on agricultural land.
During the technical session, Sheikh Madiha Syed, Senior Analyst, CSTEP, sensitized participants about solar panel configurations, crop selection, microclimate management, irrigation considerations, energy generation, land-use efficiency and economic opportunities associated with agrivoltaic systems.
Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi, Scientist at KVK Ganderbal, highlighted the potential of agrivoltaics as a futuristic approach to high-density apple cultivation by improving resource management and enhancing crop resilience. Dr. Faiqa Syeed also presented on the synergistic potential of deploying solar arrays over open-water aquaculture sites.
An interactive session was subsequently held, during which participants engaged with the experts and discussed the technical and practical aspects of agrivoltaic systems.
