Every farm to get solar power: PM Modi urges makers to develop solar farm equipment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged agricultural equipment manufacturers, startups and small-scale industries to develop solar-powered machinery, saying the government was working to ensure that every farm in the country had access to solar energy.
Addressing the India Today Group's Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi said solar power could trigger another major revolution in Indian agriculture, much like electric vehicles were transforming the automobile sector.
"I urge those in the manufacturing sector, particularly companies making equipment for farmers, and startups to ensure that whatever equipment they develop runs on solar power because we are going to bring solar power to every farm," he said.
"I am in favour of making every type of equipment used in agriculture run on solar power. I am making considerable efforts in this direction," the Prime Minister added.
Appealing to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), PM Modi said they should focus on developing solar-powered agricultural machinery, describing it as a sector with the potential to drive a major revolution.PM-KUSUM SCHEME HAS PROVIDED 12 LAKH SOLAR PUMPS
Highlighting the government's push towards solar energy in agriculture, PM Modi said the solar power revolution had transformed farmers from food providers into energy providers.
Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, around 12 lakh solar pumps had been provided so far, he said. These pumps were helping farmers reduce their electricity bills, while solar installations on agricultural land were enabling them to generate electricity and earn additional income.
The Prime Minister said the government's focus was not limited to increasing agricultural production but also extended to improving productivity and boosting farmers' incomes.AI-POWERED EQUIPMENT TO HELP FARMERS REDUCE COSTS
PM Modi also highlighted the growing role of engineering, artificial intelligence and sensor-based technology in agriculture.
He said agricultural scientists, engineers and young entrepreneurs were developing equipment and machinery that could reduce cultivation costs and make sowing and harvesting easier.
The Prime Minister said sensor-based devices equipped with artificial intelligence were being developed to provide farmers with accurate information. Such solutions, he added, could be made affordable and accessible even to small farmers.
He also referred to emerging mobile-based soil-testing technology that could provide farmers with information about soil conditions and fertiliser requirements.
"Just put a little soil into the system through your mobile phone, and it immediately gives you a report on what the soil is suitable for, how much fertiliser is needed and what type of fertiliser should be used," he said.
PM Modi said these developments were opening up opportunities across agricultural engineering and startups.
"Today, there are opportunities everywhere in India, from agricultural engineering to agricultural startups," he said.- Ends
