Turmeric crop farming potential under Agrivoltaic system over open field practice in Odisha, India

The annual global population growth needs more land use, energy, food, and climate security demand. Given these challenges, a dual land-use approach for energy and food production known as an agrivoltaic system (AVS) is a viable solution that is suitable for a populous country like India. This research aims to experimentally evaluate the potential of turmeric crop farming in open field and AVS conditions in Odisha, India. Two kilogram of turmeric was cultivated separately on an open field and under SPV panels to find the best approach through economic and morphological analysis. The finding shows that a double-row 0.675 kWp AVS with turmeric in 12 m² of the land area produces energy and food of 1115 kWh and 21 kg respectively, while the open field of 7 m² produces 22 kg of turmeric. However, the plant growth, leaf color, and harvesting time are almost identical in both conditions. This is the first study to help create a feasible techno-economic picture for the nation's sustainable production, consumption, and livelihood development.