Drivers of renewable energy adoption and agricultural sustainability in rural India

Renewable energy technologies (RETs) provide many potential ways to genuinely meet the goal of sustainable agricultural development, access to better rural livelihoods, and climate protection in India. This study examines the key drivers shaping the willingness of rural farmers to use renewable energy technologies in their farming operations and assesses the impact on productivity and the financial health of rural farmers. Main focus of the research is the renewable energy use such as a solar-powered irrigation system for agricultural use. The study, rooted in the concepts of sustainable development and rural energy transition, looks at government support, barriers to adoption and social engagement in driving up adoption of renewable energy by farmers. The study has been based on the primary data obtained from the 251 farmers using a structured questionnaire survey in rural agricultural areas of India. The research method for studying the proposed conceptual framework and testing of the hypothesized relations among research constructs was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis method implemented by SmartPLS. Results showed that the adoption of RE positively responded to government support, financial incentives, social involvement, while financial/technical constraint had negative effect on the adoption. This shows how widely using renewables can jumpstart productivity gains that can boost financial stability and economic resilience of farmers. This study is valuable to the literature of echos on renewable energy uptake and sustainable farming, as it combines policy, social and economic aspects within one analytical framework. The results are also cross-referenced to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Overall the study provides policy recommendations for a strengthening of subsidy-based instrument, increasing access to rural financing, enhancing technical awareness programs, and promoting renewable energy use in the community in order to achieve sustainable agricultural transformation in the rural areas of India.