Solar powered irrigation; the new hope and weapon for small scale farmers

In a report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) a couple days back, solar powered irrigation systems are termed as the new hope and weapon for small scale farmers in countries like India. The report also emphasis on the need to adequately manage and regulate the systems to avoid the risk of unsustainable water usage.

The growing interest among farmers about the renewable energy source and price reductions can trigger a revolution in the Indian agricultural sector by enhancing irrigation capacity.

“The rapid expansion of more affordable solar-powered irrigation offers viable solutions that span the water-energy-food nexus, providing a great opportunity for small-holders to improve their livelihoods, economic prosperity and food security,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Helena Semedo.

“The opportunity cheaper solar energy offers also increase the urgency of making sure appropriate water management and governance systems are in place,” said Eduardo Mansur, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division. “We need to think strategically about how this technology can be used to encourage more sustainable use of groundwater resources to avoid risks such as wasteful water-use and over-abstraction of groundwater,” he added.

Also Read: How Kerala fights to retake its paddy fields from fallow lands, reports PARI

Image: pixabay.com