Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Bihar's First Agrivoltaics Site Opens in Gaya District
Imagine a farm that also makes its own electricity!
That's what agrivoltaics does.
In Gaya, Bihar, TCI and PRAN created a farm with solar panels above, and crops growing below.
The solar panels make power for a grain mill and to water the crops.
Farmers can now grow food during dry times.
This helps the environment and helps farmers earn more money.
It uses less water, and researchers will watch how it works to help farmers.
This project aims to make farming better for the planet and the people who work the land.
TCI and PRAN established Bihar's first agrivoltaics site in Gaya district.
Agrivoltaics combines farming with solar power to prevent land competition.
A 20-kilowatt solar array powers a grain mill and irrigation systems.
Farmers will use drip and sprinkler systems, reducing water usage.
The project aims to reduce emissions, improve productivity, and benefit farmers.
- Who
- The Tata Cornell Institute (TCI) and Preservation and Proliferation of Rural Resources and Nature (PRAN), with support from Jain Irrigation Systems.
- What
- The first agrivoltaics site in Bihar, combining agriculture and solar power.
- When
- Published June 11, 2025
- Where
- Nawada village in Shargati block, Gaya district, Bihar.
- Why
- To lower greenhouse gas emissions, increase productivity, and benefit farmer livelihoods.
- Location
- Nawada, Gaya, Bihar
- Partners
- TCI, PRAN, Jain Irrigation Systems
- Solar Array Size
- 20-kilowatt
- Purpose
- Combine agriculture and solar energy
- Focus
- Sustainable agriculture
- Goal
- Reduce emissions and improve farming