On-Site Experience

Irrigation is one of the most signi?cant boost for increasing on-farm yield. However, currently available manual irrigation pumps (for example, treadle pumps) are quite strenuous to use and often not suited to the needs of women farmers. Motorized pumps available in the market are a cost hurdle by the recurring cost of diesel fuel. In remote areas, the paucity of distribution networks for diesel is an additional constraint. 

A solar powered pumping model is a best alternative solution for a environment friendly solution, and could dramatically increase access to irrigation. Direct-drive photo voltaic solar pumping can be quite efficient, as all harvested power is used for pumping and there is no need for batteries and associated losses. 

With the recent revolution in the PV technology, the upfront cost also has significantly reduced, leading to an achievable economic payback times.

However, even if solar pumps become available, there are a number of deployment hurdles: the majority of farmers are still extremely poor, live in remote areas and are accustomed to rain-fed farming. Considerable effort will be required for creating demand and providing ?nancing and training.

Since the majority of the pumps are made available through various government schemes, there is a risk of unrestrained groundwater depletion if the technology is scaled up in the absence of rational water allocation systems.

An effective site survey, followed by creating awareness among rural population alongwith the officers and executives involved in the deployment of the scheme, about the green technology and the need of the hour, a smart and effective metering system in the business model to ensure minimal over-exploitation of ground water, backed by transparent govt policies and support from field executives, can lead to an impactful and profitable solution.

Let the solar powered solution be a boon for the Environment.