A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF SOLAR POWER USAGE IN AGRICULTURE: A WAY FORWARD TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

Povzetek

Agriculture is witnessing a shift toward renewable energy, as it reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and eliminates greenhouse gas emissions (Turkmen, 2020). In India, access to nonrenewable energy for the agricultural production process is beyond reach in remote places. Globally, solar energy plays a vital role and is mechanically integrated into agriculture as a cost-effective alternative to traditional energy sources. Its applications range from solar-powered irrigation to processing and further enhancing crop yields globally. The study examines a range of past studies from 2020 onward, as well as relevant research on the application of solar-powered technologies in agriculture, contributing to sustainability. The study will utilize secondary data retrieved from Elsevier Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, working papers, industry reports, and reports of government bodies. The data collected will be statistical figures on renewable energy use by the farming community, and research papers on agricultural sustainability, renewable energy use by farmers, and the applications of solar-powered technologies in agriculture will be collected and analyzed. Future researchers can focus on climate-smart renewable energy solutions tailored to agricultural practices. The present study recommends that researchers evaluate cost‒benefit analysis, socioeconomic impacts on farmers, and marginalized groups. Policymakers can deliver handholding support for adoption through targeted subsidies, low-interest financing, and incentives for solar-powered technologies.