Ganderbal : Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) from Bengaluru, conducted a one-day Capacity Building Workshop on Agrivoltaics aimed at enhancing awareness and technical skills among farmers and stakeholders regarding the integration of agriculture with solar photovoltaic technology.
The workshop underscored the dual benefits of agrivoltaic systems, which allow for simultaneous crop production and renewable energy generation, thereby promoting efficient resource use, diversifying farm income, and fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices. The event began with an introduction by Dr. Faiqa Syeed, followed by insights from Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, who highlighted agrivoltaics as a sustainable solution to meet rising energy demands and address climate variability while providing additional income streams for farmers. The technical session led by Sheikh Madiha Syed covered essential topics such as solar panel configurations, crop selection, microclimate management, and the economic advantages of agrivoltaic systems. Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi further elaborated on the potential of agrivoltaics in enhancing high-density apple cultivation through improved resource management. Additionally, Dr. Faiqa Syeed discussed the innovative use of solar arrays over open-water aquaculture sites. The workshop included an interactive session that allowed participants to engage with experts and explore the practical and technical dimensions of agrivoltaic systems. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Farooq Ahanger, reinforcing the collaborative effort to advance sustainable agricultural practices through innovative technologies.
