UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar energy generation with agriculture, offers a promising solution for the Himalayan and Gangetic Plain regions in India, where over 500 million people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Climate change, with average temperatures projected to rise by 1.5–2°C by 2050, leads to erratic rainfall, declining crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and an increasing invasion of alien species. This review aims to assess the feasibility and benefits of agrivoltaic systems in the Himalayan and Gangetic Plain regions for sustainable agriculture, indigenous ecosystems, biodiversity preservation, and the mitigation of alien species invasion. The review found that agrivoltaic systems can help enhance land productivity through dual land use while reducing soil moisture loss by 20–30% due to shading effects. The review indicates that agrivoltaic setups can improve water-use efficiency, which is crucial for water-stressed areas in the Himalayan and Gangetic regions. Furthermore, these systems create microhabitats that promote biodiversity by reducing land degradation and fostering pollinator populations. The broader impact of this review lies in its potential to transform traditional farming by integrating renewable energy, offering farmers an additional income stream with a 30–40% increase in earnings. Additionally, the findings contribute to policy development for sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation strategies, and ecological resilience in fragile mountain and river basin ecosystems. By addressing challenges such as high initial costs, land availability, and regulatory gaps, there is a need for scaling agrivoltaics as a nature-based solution for sustainable development.