A study of constraints affecting adoption of solar technologies among farmers in Haryana and Maharashtra

N V  KUMBHARE; C  VAISHNAVI; R N  PADARIA; SITARAM  BISHNOI; SATISH D  LANDE; KANCHAN  SINHA; PUSHPENDER  YADAV; PRASHANTH  B

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i8.176741

Authors

N V KUMBHARE ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
C VAISHNAVI ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
R N PADARIA ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
SITARAM BISHNOI ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
SATISH D LANDE ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
KANCHAN SINHA ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistical Research Institute, New Delhi, India
PUSHPENDER YADAV ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
PRASHANTH B University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka 580 005, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i8.176741

Keywords:

Climate resilent agriculture, Government incentives, Preference selection index, Technology adoption

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic technologies offer a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources for Indian agriculture, yet farm level adoption remains limited. This study analysed the major constraints influencing adoption and non- adoption of solar photovoltaic technologies among 480 farmers (240 solar technology adopters and 240 non-adopters) in Haryana and Maharashtra. Constraints were identified through literature review and field interactions, and classified into technical, financial, personal, and institutional categories. The Preference Selection Index method was employed to prioritise the perceived severity of constraints. The results indicated that among adopters, constraints in user knowledge and skills, limited duration of subsidy support, post-installation service limitations, non-availability of spare parts, and high initial investment constituted the most severe constraints. Among non-adopters, high initial investment, inadequate subsidy support, fear of technology failure, and procedural complexity in accessing government incentives emerged as the dominant constraints. The study highlights the need for strengthening decentralised service infrastructure, simplifying administrative procedures, improving access to affordable credit, and reinforcing extension activities through training and demonstrations. Implementing policy recommendations will accelerate the diffusion of solar photovoltaic technologies, and enhance their contribution to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India.

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