Jhenaidah:Solar-powered irrigation pumps are providing significant benefits to farmers in Jhenaidah, helping them reduce irrigation costs amidst escalating fuel and electricity prices, while also offering a new income stream by selling surplus water.
According to United News of Bangladesh, 106 solar-powered irrigation pumps have been installed in the district's Moheshpur, Kotchandpur, and Sadar upazilas. These installations include contributions from the AID Foundation, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), and Wave Foundation. Additionally, the Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) is implementing the project through its 'SMART' initiative, with funding from the World Bank and technical support from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
The introduction of solar power has been particularly beneficial for flower growers in Maheshpur. Local farmer Gafur Mia reported that using a solar irrigation pump has eliminated his reliance on fuel and electricity. After irrigating his own land, he sells excess water to neighboring farmers, providing additional income.
Another farmer, Sadikul Rahman, has also benefited from solar irrigation, utilizing a mix of project loans and grants to set up his system. He now offers commercial irrigation services to 15 bighas of nearby farmland.
In Sadar upazila, farmer Habibur Rahman installed a solar pump at a cost of Tk 170,000, with a Tk 45,000 grant from the SMART project. Similarly, Anisur Rahman in Bongkira village has set up solar panels with assistance from IDCOL, leading to reduced irrigation costs.
Farmers Bablu and Shahidul Islam also noted the cost-effectiveness of solar power, charging Tk 3,000 per bigha annually, which is cheaper than traditional methods.
Assistant engineer Saurav Kumar Biswas from BADC highlighted the growing importance of solar power in agriculture, emphasizing that farmers using these systems have been able to sustain their irrigation needs despite diesel and electricity challenges. Electricity from BADC-supported systems is even supplied to the national grid after meeting irrigation needs.
Dr. Asit Baran Mondal of RRF stated that solar pumps have significantly reduced irrigation costs, from Tk 400-500 per bigha per month with diesel or conventional electricity to around Tk 250 with solar. This cost reduction aids farmers in decreasing production expenses and supports environmental conservation.
Currently, 36 solar pumps under the RRF are operational, with plans to install over 100 additional pumps across the district soon.