Solar-powered irrigation pumps are helping farmers in Bagerhat and Jhenaidah cut irrigation costs and increase incomes, while reducing dependence on diesel and electricity.
Seven solar pumps have been installed in Bagerhat Sadar and Rampal, while 36 have been installed in Jhenaidah Sadar, Kotchandpur and Maheshpur.
In Bagerhat, all seven pumps are operated by women’s committees, each comprising 40 members. Two pumps are in Sadar and five in Rampal. They were provided by private organisation IRV under a climate resilience support initiative.
Three pumps have been installed in Ujalkur Union and two in Bhojpatia Union of Rampal, and two in Sayera village of Shatgombuj Union in Bagerhat Sadar.
Women farmers say the pumps have reduced the time, labour and money needed for irrigation.
Dipika Mistry, president of the Purba Sayera Purbapara Agricultural Women Entrepreneurs Forum, said women previously had to manually draw water from fish enclosures and canals to irrigate vegetable fields.
“Now we can move the pump from one place to another and supply water to distant fields through pipes. This saves time and labour and allows us to cultivate more land,” she said.
Lolevly Mondal, president of the Purba Sayera Madhyapara Women Entrepreneurs Forum, said they previously had to rent shallow machines and pay for fuel and transportation. “Now we can irrigate paddy and vegetable fields using sunlight without spending money on fuel or additional electricity,” she said.
IRV Executive Director Marina Juthi said solar irrigation was contributing to climate-resilient agriculture and women’s economic empowerment. “Women are no longer just users of solar technology; they are becoming entrepreneurs. More women-friendly technology and incentives are needed,” she said.
Bagerhat Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Md Motahar Hossain said solar energy could help keep irrigation running amid electricity shortages. The department is also planning to support farmers with solar pumps, he said.
In Jhenaidah, the 36 pumps have been installed under the SMART project, implemented by the Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) with technical assistance from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and funding from the World Bank.
Of the 36 pumps, 32 are in Maheshpur, three in Sadar and one in Kotchandpur. More pumps are planned in other areas.
Farmers say the pumps are cheaper to operate than diesel-powered systems. Some are also earning extra income by providing irrigation services to other farmers.
Jhenaidah Sadar farmer Habibur Rahman said he spent Tk170,000 to install a solar pump and received a Tk45,000 grant from the SMART project.
Maheshpur farmer Sadikul Rahman installed a pump with project loans and grants. Besides irrigating his own land, he now provides irrigation to another 15 bighas.
Flower farmer Gafur Mia said the pump had eliminated his fuel and electricity costs while creating an additional source of income.
RRF Senior Assistant Director Dr Asit Baran Mondal said 36 pumps had already been installed, with more than 100 additional pumps planned. “Previously, irrigation for one bigha cost Tk400-500. With a solar pump, it costs around Tk200,” he said.
Jhenaidah Deputy Director of Agricultural Extension Md Kamruzzaman said solar pumps were being provided through government and private initiatives. “Their operating costs are much lower than electric pumps, making farming more profitable,” he said.