Successful Indian Delegation Study Tour to Germany to Boosts Indo-German Collaboration in Agri-Photovoltaics Technology

Hon’ble VC Dr. Indra Mani highlights VNMKV’s Agri-PV Research Initiatives at International Platform

A high-level Indian delegation has successfully concluded a study tour to Germany from June 29 to July 5, 2025, aimed at strengthening Indo-German cooperation in the field of Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) technology. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Dr. Indra Mani actively participated in the delegation and made presentations on the university’s ongoing Agri-PV initiatives. As per the MoU signed between VNMKV, the German international agency GIZ, and Sunseed Pvt. Ltd., an Agri-PV research project is currently being implemented near Manwath in Parbhani district. This innovative technology, being adopted in developed countries like Germany, Japan, and Italy, enables simultaneous solar energy generation and crop cultivation on the same agricultural land.

The delegation participated in the "AgriVoltaics World Conference 2025" held in Freiburg, Germany, where international experts presented ongoing research and projects in the Agri-PV sector. Dr. Indra Mani presented the progress and achievements of the Agri-PV research project at VNMKV and discussed potential business models for Agri-PV projects in India.

During the visit, the delegation interacted with senior officials and experts from Germany’s ministries of agriculture, environment, and energy. They also visited the 3.5 MW vertical Agri-PV project by Next2Sun AG, which integrates battery storage and maintains 90% agricultural efficiency. Additionally, the team inspected the Volmer Orchard project that implements three different Agri-PV technologies in traditional horticulture. A significant highlight of the tour was the Indo-German Roundtable Discussion, where policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and financial institutions from both countries deliberated on policy-level aspects of Agri-PV technology. It was also confirmed during the visit that an International Conference on Agri-Photovoltaics Technology will be organized in New Delhi, India, in 2026. This study tour marks a major milestone in advancing Indo-German collaboration in the emerging field of Agri-Photovoltaics.