Accra:Barind Region Solar-powered irrigation systems, introduced as part of a government initiative, are transforming agriculture in Bangladesh's Barind region. These systems are reducing irrigation costs, expanding cultivation possibilities, and promoting efficient water use.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative has installed 32 solar-powered irrigation pumps over the past two years in eight districts of the Rajshahi Division. This effort targets off-grid, drought-prone remote areas, significantly decreasing farmers' irrigation expenses and increasing cropping intensity by about 50 percent.
The Rajshahi Division Agricultural Development Project implements the initiative to expand renewable energy use, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance agricultural sustainability. The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) are actively involved in spreading this technology across the region.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture report that the project benefits approximately 3,200 farmers across 67 upazilas, aiming for completion by June 2027. By reducing reliance on diesel and the national electricity grid, the initiative fosters a more self-reliant agricultural system.
The project highlights three categories of solar irrigation systems fixed, portable, and precision. Fixed systems involve permanent installations, while portable units offer flexibility across different fields. Precision systems incorporate drip irrigation, minimizing water wastage and improving fruit production.
The Barind region's severe drought conditions and declining groundwater levels emphasize the need for water-saving technologies. Solar-powered pumps, unaffected by grid connections or diesel prices, enable irrigation even in remote areas.
Farmers like Mohammad Alamgir Hossain from Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila have experienced reduced costs and improved ease of irrigation. Agricultural experts view the technology as crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience and reducing fossil fuel dependence in this water-stressed region.