In the contemporary era, climate change has emerged as a major global concern, with agriculture being a

significant contributor due to its heavy reliance on mechanization and fossil fuel consumption. In India, this

dependence has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, along with

accelerated depletion of natural resources such as water, thereby raising serious concerns about environmental

sustainability. In this context, renewable energy-especially solar power-offers a viable pathway toward

promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Recognizing its importance, the Government of India has

introduced several subsidized programmes to facilitate the adoption of solar energy in agriculture.

This study examines the adoption of solar energy in agricultural production systems, its socio-economic impacts

on farming communities, and its overall efficiency and sustainability. Using primary data collected from 502

inefficiencies, damage caused by wild animals, and the lack of locally available maintenance and repair services.

Addressing these constraints, the study proposes key policy recommendations, including the development of

localized maintenance ecosystems, enhanced subsidy support, promotion of group-based solar models, and

provision of training and exposure programmes for farmers to ensure effective adoption and long-term

sustainability of solar energy in agriculture.

Key Words: Solar Energy, Agriculture, Sustainability, Environment, Socio-Economic Impact

Funding Statement: This research was supported by a grant from the Indian Council of Social Science Research

(ICSSR) [Grant Number: 25/2024-25/SES/OBC/RP/ICSSR].

Sustainable development is a multinational mission often linked to reducing climate change and ensuring energy

2025). The combination of agriculture and solar energy often goes well together. Likely, the high potential of

agricultural fields is helping to generate more solar power (Adeh et al., 2019). This initiates the possibilities for

agrivoltaics that increase the land use for food and energy production (Dupraz et al., 2011).

Such green technologies are urgently required among the tribal communities in India, who have traditionally

faced marginalization, low socio-economic development, and limited access to resources (Xaxa, 2005; Balgir,

2006). Odisha is a state with a high number of Scheduled tribe population (62), and the Particularly Vulnerable

Tribal Groups (13) across India, is the prime location of problems (GoI, 2022). Koraput and Nabarangapur

districts of Odisha are selected for the study as more than 50% of the total district population belongs to tribes.

Also, these districts are known for poor literacy rates, high Multidimensional Poverty Index scores, and high

dependency on rain-fed agriculture (Census, 2011; NMPI, 2021). These communities are facing energy poverty

irrigation instead of diesel can lower the costs of operation in agriculture. Also, it is increasing the cropping

intensity as well as offering access to water on time (Hoque et al., 2016; Islam & Hossain, 2022). In addition,

solar drying and cold storage can significantly minimize post-harvest losses. This makes value addition possible

and enables farmers to obtain improved prices in the market (Hin et al., 2024). The cost savings and increased

income that follow can be consequently channelled into healthcare, education, and improved farm inputs. This

directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal for poverty eradication (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2),

and clean and affordable energy (SDG 7) (Li et al., 2020; Auci & Pronti, 2023).

Seeing the potential, the Government of India and non-governmental institutions have introduced initiatives for

the installation of solar-powered systems in agricultural fields. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja

Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) encourage solar irrigation and other decentralized uses

general socio-economic implications (Güre et al., 2025; Thapa et al., 2022), and in-depth descriptive studies are

rare. There are limited studies that identify the real users, list out the specific usage patterns, and elaborate on

the perceived challenges and benefits in the tribal areas of India (Nkhoma et al., 2024; Ukoba et al., 2024). While

designing the long-run and successful energy interventions, it is important to understand who is using what

technology, what the challenges are and the key effects.

Moreover, the study provides an exhaustive descriptive overview of renewable solar energy used among tribal

farmers of Odisha. Next, the study emphasizes the theoretical framework to give a deeper understanding of solar

energy use in contemporary times. Basically, the study focuses on three important goals, where it emphasizes

socio-economic contexts of the tribals, documents the adoption patterns, and determines the perceived benefits

and challenges to operate the technologies. The findings will give effective suggestions to development officers,

Tribals or Adivasis or Scheduled Tribes (STs) are considered to be the most socio-economically disadvantaged

population (Xaxa, 2005). Even though many development interventions and constitutional safeguards have

emerged in favour of tribes, these groups are still experiencing challenges like low literacy rates, limited access

to resources, and limited integration into the mainstream economy (Jain et al., 2015). Among them, PVTGs are

a sub-group characterized as more vulnerable to poverty and primitive cultivation practices (GoI, 2022).

Odisha is the prime location of STs and PVTGs in India (GoI, 2022). The two districts - Koraput and

Nabarangapur are known for poor literacy rates, high Multidimensional Poverty Index scores, and high

dependency on rain-fed agriculture (Census, 2011; NMPI, 2021). Research shows that more than 70% of the

rural population’s livelihood is highly impacted by rain-fed irrigation, energy poverty, and low productivity

productivity and sustainability. Many studies have supported its efficacy and feasibility in the agricultural

sectors. For instance, SPIS is used during the cultivation stage, which is proven to be more economical and

technically feasible as compared to grid electricity and diesel pumps (Aliyu et al., 2018; Campana et al., 2013).

The research conducted in India and Bangladesh shows that SPIS helps in ensuring on-time water supply for

irrigation, reduces the production cost, and enhances the cropping intensity, resulting in directly rise of

agricultural incomes (Hoque et al., 2016; Jethani et al., 2023).

Apart from irrigation, solar energy is also considered for loss prevention and extensive value addition. For

instance, solar dryers give sun drying to high-value produce like fish, vegetables, and fruits, which create new

market opportunities and lower post-harvest losses (Hin et al., 2024; Mostafaeipour & Nasiri, 2020). Similarly,

cold storage avoids distress sales, helps in storing perishables, and helps farmers to generate better income (Amer

economic impacts that facilitate community resilience and network dynamics (Güre et al. 2025)

There are significant challenges for the sustainable and large-scale application of solar power in tribal regions.

Economically, the major challenge for small farmers is the initial capital cost, even though they receive

government subsidies (IRENA, 2021; MNRE, 2023). The bureaucratic lag and administrative inconvenience in

accessing the subsidy can challenge access by the small farmers (Kafle et al., 2024). Another major challenge

could be the operation and maintenance of the solar power.

The use of a reliable solar-powered storage system is unpredictable as it has a short lifespan and is expensive

(FAO, 2023). In remote areas, a solar system downtime is weakening the confidence of the users due to a lack

of spare supply chains and technical competencies (Habib et al., 2023). Additionally, dust on PV panels in

2024). However, solar technologies can be effective if proper training is given with providing post-installation

support, and generating local entrepreneurships to develop a sustainable platform for repair and maintenance of

context. However, the research has not given more focus on PVTGs who have distinct vulnerabilities and socio-

cultural environments. Hence, it is crucial to document the adoption of solar power (including dryers, pumps,

fencing, etc.) among tribal farmers, source of getting solar systems (NGO, Government), operating challenges

in their regular life and specific benefits they have enjoyed.

This study bridges this gap by employing a descriptive research technique to develop a rich description of the

existing situation of solar energy uptake in the Koraput and Nabarangapur districts. With a focus on the user's

end, this study will provide empirically based findings that will enable the design of more targeted, effective,

and sustainable programs and policies for clean energy transition among tribal farming.

Nandapur (05), Lamtaput (03), Kotpad (08), Koraput (18) from Koraput district and Kosagumuda (05), Jharigam

(11), Raighar (07), Nabarangapur (01), Umerkote (07) from Nabarangapur district.

A total of 502 tribal households consist of 190 from Koraput and 312 from Nabarangapur districts, engaged in

agriculture, were selected from the two sample districts. For identification of sample households, the list of

farmers provided by Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC), Odisha Agro Industries Corporation Limited

(OAIC) and SELCO Foundation were followed, and the short fall were completed by following snowball

sampling methods (Table 1).

This measures the reported outcomes by families. Indicators are the increase in crop area (in acres) due to solar

irrigation, self-reported enhancement in crop production (in kilograms), economic gain per year (in Indian

Rupees), and better social standing (e.g., membership in a Self-Help Group, possession of a bank account).

Overall satisfaction rated on a Likert-type scale is also surveyed.

Source: Compiled by the author from the field survey 2025

A significant majority of the households (65.3%) were classified as Below the Poverty Line (BPL), and 6.6%

families were reported to be critically poor and covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). Underscoring