Dhaka: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) today organized an inception workshop to advance solar power for irrigation, marking the launch of the Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II in Bangladesh. This initiative aims to enhance the enabling environment and unlock investments for socially inclusive, climate-resilient solar agri-tech solutions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the first phase of the SoLAR program provided essential insights into transitioning from diesel to solar-powered irrigation. Building on the success of the first phase in South Asia, SoLAR Phase II focuses on reimagining energy use in agriculture to benefit farmers, reduce emissions, and build resilience to climate risks.
The workshop participants discussed strategies to accelerate solar financing, scale innovative models such as agrivoltaics, and integrate capacity-building and policy support. IWMI, a global research organization, plans to expand its efforts to East African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya through South-South collaboration.
Studies by IWMI and Bangladesh’s Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) revealed that solar irrigation pumps not only reduce diesel use but also cut farmers’ irrigation costs by 20 to 30 percent. The solar power solution has proven to be time-saving and labor-efficient, providing access to supplementary irrigation during delayed monsoons.
Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported diesel for irrigation, is investing in solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) to enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The inception workshop, organized with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), witnessed participation from key stakeholders including government organizations, research bodies, and private sector representatives.
The IDCOL-promoted fee-for-service model, a public-private partnership approach, has been effective in delivering affordable irrigation to smallholders while attracting private sector investments. The program places strong emphasis on social inclusion, empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities to benefit from solar agri-tech solutions.
IWMI’s research in South Asia suggests that the right incentives and governance frameworks for solar irrigation could promote sustainable water solutions, transforming it into a tool for climate resilience. The initiative offers a unique opportunity to align energy, water, and climate goals, driving the transition to sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.