In Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, Anand Jain is redefining farming by combining clean energy with organic agriculture. On his 16-acre farm, he’s running India’s largest agrivoltaic solar plant — a project that produces up to 25,000 units of electricity daily while cultivating crops such as strawberries, broccoli, and cabbage.
A graduate from IIT Roorkee (MTech, 1985), Anand refused to choose between solar energy and agriculture. “I am a farmer, and I couldn’t give up on my land,” he explains. His solution? Elevate the solar panels high above the farmland to allow sunlight to nourish crops below while simultaneously generating electricity.
The agrivoltaic model — which merges agriculture with photovoltaic power — offers dual benefits. Elevated panels not only produce energy but also shield crops from heat stress, reduce soil evaporation, and optimize water use.
The 4.5 MW project, developed with the help of Manish Khare from Khare Energy Pvt. Ltd., stands on an innovative RCC-based structure. Solar panels are mounted 11 to 13 feet above ground and spaced 8 meters apart, allowing tractors and farming equipment to move freely underneath.
Despite an investment of Rs 18 crores, the project became viable with 70% bank funding and assistance from the PM-KUSUM scheme. Under a 25-year agreement with the state, Anand sells electricity at Rs 3.07 per unit — ensuring both profitability and sustainability.
Originally barren land when acquired in 1999, Anand’s farm is now a thriving hub of renewable energy and organic cultivation. His vision is backed by recognition from the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) and other bodies.
Challenges remain, especially in cleaning and maintaining elevated panels. To solve this, Anand engineered a custom platform that helps workers clean the solar panels efficiently.
As India races toward its goal of 280 GW solar capacity by 2030, Anand believes agrivoltaics could be the answer to one of the country’s most pressing dilemmas — balancing renewable energy needs with agricultural land use. “This isn’t just about farming or electricity,” he says. “It’s about securing the future — for farmers, the environment, and the nation.”
