Chapainawabganj:A solar-powered irrigation system has empowered a farmer in Chapainawabganj to overcome water shortages, reduce production costs, and increase his income, thanks to support from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Abdul Jabbar, a farmer from the Kalupur area of Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila, faced significant challenges in irrigating his 10 bighas of farmland, including mango orchards, due to severe water shortages and lack of electricity. Previously, Jabbar relied on a diesel-powered shallow machine and a long pipe to draw water from a distant canal, which was labor-intensive and costly.
Jabbar's circumstances began to improve after joining the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project, facilitated by Prayas Manabik Unnayan Society with PKSF's backing. Through this project, he received training on Climate Vulnerable RECP and Environmental Management, equipping him with knowledge of climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming practices.
Following technical guidance from the project, Jabbar installed a solar-powered irrigation system in his mango orchard. He secured a loan of Tk 5 lakh and a grant of Tk 60,000 for the initiative. The system includes 16 solar panels with a combined capacity of 8,800 watts, a 7.5-horsepower water motor, and a battery backup.
The introduction of this system allowed Jabbar to irrigate his orchard efficiently, significantly cutting down on diesel use and irrigation costs, thereby reducing production expenses and increasing profits. Additionally, Jabbar now extends solar-powered irrigation services to neighboring farmers, covering 30 bighas of mango orchards and 20 acres of paddy land, earning around Tk 50,000 annually.
Jabbar expressed gratitude for the support received from the SMART project and emphasized the potential benefits of expanding such sustainable and climate-resilient farming initiatives to other marginal farmers, promoting increased agricultural production and environmentally friendly practices.