Agrivoltaic Project

Agrivoltaic Project: Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to adopt an Agrivoltaic project.

• About Agrivoltaic System: It is also known as agri-voltaic systems or solar farming.

o Allows farmers to produce electricity while growing crops.

o Utilizes photo-voltaic (PV) technology with solar panels installed on agricultural land.

o Presently used in: India, USA, France, UK, and Germany (Still in its initial stages in India)

• Funding from ADB: Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) approved the technical assistance proposal for the project.

o Asian Development Bank (ADB) granted USD 0.50 million (~₹4.15 crore) for technical assistance.

o Uttar Pradesh is the first Indian state to receive such financial support from ADB.

• About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

o Established: 1966 to promote social & economic development in Asia-Pacific.

o Provides: Loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments.

o Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.

o Members: 68 members (49 from Asia-Pacific, 19 from other regions).

• ADB & India: India is a founding member and the fourth-largest shareholder in ADB.