India’s agricultural sector could create demand for an additional 116 GW of solar modules, according to a report by the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA). The estimate includes 100 GW for grid-connected irrigation pumps and 16 GW for diesel pumps, excluding pumps in groundwater-stressed areas.
The report, titled “Powering the Farms, Building the Factory,” was launched at the Bharat RE Summit on 2 November 2026. It examines how agricultural solarisation could support India’s clean energy transition while providing sustained demand for domestically made solar modules and cells.
India has nearly 2.3 crore irrigation pumps, the report says. The PM-KUSUM programme added 7.6 GW of solar capacity in FY 2025–26, a record for the scheme, and more than 28 lakh pumps had been solarised by July 2026.
Domestic Content Requirement rules for Components B and C of PM-KUSUM have also supported Indian manufacturers, according to ISMA. By October 2026, 13.8 GW had been installed under these components, against an initial forecast of 20.8 GW in demand for domestically produced solar cells and modules.
Agriculture was India’s third-largest electricity-consuming sector, accounting for 17.88% of consumption in FY 2024. The report also notes that electricity tariff subsidies billed by distribution companies rose from INR 1.21 lakh crore in FY20 to INR 2.41 lakh crore in FY25. Solarising pumps and feeders could improve power availability for farmers while supporting more sustainable energy use.
ISMA recommends retaining domestic-content rules, setting clear state-level targets and establishing multi-year tender pipelines. It also calls for measures to ease access to land, approvals and grid connections, alongside greater development of upstream manufacturing, including wafers and ingots.
Sources: pv magazine.