Sustainably Scaling Solar Irrigation in East India

Despite the fact that solar water pumping systems have been promoted in India for over 2 decades their current share in agricultural production is only about 0.5-1%. The current use of mainly diesel-powered pumps leads to increased CO2 emissions. The project generated both awareness and demand for solar water pumps in order to provide small holder farmers with necessary and sustainable equipment. Awareness campaigns, training workshops and seminars were carried out to upscale the knowledge on solar pumps and micro irrigation across East India. The project mobilized farmers, youth entrepreneurs, financial institutions and policy makers to act as advocates for solar pumping systems. It supported the actual adoption of solar pumps, including local subsidy schemes. Farmers were granted lower interest rates for purchasing solar water pumps that are provided by an innovative revolving fund system drawn with partnering banks.