Solar Energy's Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Agriculture
Samarendra Nath Panda
Asian Institute of Public Health University, Bhubneswar, Odisha, India.
Ranjita Saikia *
Department of Nanotechnology, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand.
Sagar
Agricultural Economics, GKVK, UAS Bangalore -65, India.
G Narayana swamy
Horticulture SMGR Agriculture college UDAYAGIRI, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, India.
Narinder Panotra
Institute of Biotechnology SKUAST Jammu J&K-180009, India.
Kamalkant Yadav
Galgotias University Greater Noida, India.
Bal Veer Singh
Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, India.
Shivam Rathi
IFS Division, Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram Meerut - 250110 (UP), India.
Rajan singh
Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, India.
Shivam Kumar Pandey
Rashtriya Raksha University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The adoption of solar energy in agriculture has the potential to significantly contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy access (SDG 7), sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). This review article examines the various applications of solar energy in agricultural practices, including irrigation, crop drying, greenhouse heating, and powering farm machinery. It analyzes the economic, environmental, and social benefits of transitioning to solar-powered agriculture, such as reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy security, and increased income for farmers. The article also discusses the challenges and barriers to widespread adoption, including high upfront costs, lack of awareness and technical expertise among farmers, and inadequate policy support. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this article highlights the immense potential of solar energy in transforming the agricultural sector and contributing to sustainable development. It concludes by emphasizing the need for concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and the private sector to promote and facilitate the integration of solar energy in agriculture, particularly in developing countries where access to clean energy and sustainable farming practices are most crucial for achieving the SDGs.
Keywords: Solar energy, agriculture, sustainable development goals, renewable energy, climate change