The conference is organised by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) and Conexio-PSE.
It calls for the transformation of Indian economic actors, formerly food suppliers, into energy producers through innovative agrivoltaism.
Release date: 21 October 2026 to 18h08 by GDP Delhi
The 7th edition of the World Conference on Agrivoltaism (AWC ) 2026 began today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event marks an important step in India’s efforts to integrate agriculture and renewable energy. This world-leading conference for the South (developing countries) is being held for the first time in India . This further strengthens India ‘s growing role in simultaneously promoting global food security , energy self-sufficiency and sustainable development .
This prestigious three-day conference is organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ( MNRE ) , in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of Environment , Climate Action , Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety ( BMUV ) , and in collaboration with Conexio – PSE , under the theme « Energy for the South » .
This conference reflects the fundamental vision of the “Power to Empower” programme set out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . He said India’s clean energy transition redefines the contours of the agricultural sector. Farmers move move beyond traditional borders and become not only food producers , but also clean energy producers . The Prime Minister stressed that this transition has opened up new opportunities for the development of the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem , the improvement of financial models and the strengthening of the country ‘s long-term economic resilience . He urged international actors , scientists and industry representatives to work together to scale up precision agrivoltaism ( integrated solutions combining agriculture and solar energy ) in order to increase farmers ‘ incomes and accelerate the energy transition .
The opening ceremony of the first day began with the reception of personalities and the ignition of the lamp. Subsequently , Mr Santosh K. Sarangi , Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ( MNRE ) , delivered the welcoming speech and presented the programme of the conference . A video presented the context for this three-day event and its main theme: “Energy for the South”.
The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Education, Consumption, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, spoke at the opening ceremony. A video message from Mr Carsten Schneider , German Federal Minister for the Environment , Climate Action , Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety , was also broadcast . German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Dr. Jasper Wick, delivered a speech at the closing ceremony. The Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, was also present.
Three knowledge resources were presented at the official opening session: the “decision support tool” developed by the Indian Agrivoltaic Alliance ( IAA ) , the “completion of abstracts” prepared by the International Water Management Institute ( IWMI ) and the “Agri-PV Policy Manual” of the MNRE .
The conference was attended by over 1,200 delegates , including over 150 foreign participants . These included international experts, policy makers, researchers, leading business leaders, innovators, start-ups and development partners. The event provides a platform for knowledge exchange , technical collaboration and South-South cooperation ( cooperation among developing countries ) . This broad participation demonstrates an integrated governance strategy to link energy self-sufficiency with agricultural security .
The event highlighted a comprehensive integration of science , policy and innovation within the ecosystem . The programme included two parallel scientific sessions , as well as one specific session for India . The conference will address innovation , the role of states , agricultural productivity , policy frameworks , financing models , technological deployment , adaptation to climate change and farmers-centred business models .
In addition , a platform dedicated to startups and innovation – including an interactive “Agrivoltaic Project Presentation Platform” – highlights new generation technological solutions . This platform facilitates exchanges between clean technology innovators , startups , venture capital investors and global industry leaders .
Agrivoltaism offers a revolutionary opportunity to fight underemployment in rural areas , promote local entrepreneurship , raise farmers ‘ incomes , guarantee crop-friendly microclimates and ensure sustainable livelihoods in the face of increasing threats of climate change . This is possible thanks to dual land use: food production and clean energy. Delegates to the conference stressed the role of agrivoltaism in building climate resilient agriculture and creating sustainable livelihoods in rural India.
The discussions at the conference clearly demonstrated that the future of agriculture lies at the crossroads of clean energy and digital technologies. Agrivoltaism represents a major transformation in India, moving from traditional agriculture to techno-agriculture, combining solar energy with precision agriculture, intelligent irrigation, digital technologies and new business models.
The 7th World Conference on Agrivoltaism should accelerate international collaboration and further strengthen India’s leadership role in building a resilient and sustainable future for global food and energy systems.
PK / KC / NT1 / MKS
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2326145®=48&lang=2