Bangladesh will expand the locally developed Soleman Solar Irrigation Pump nationwide, aiming to reduce irrigation costs, strengthen energy independence, and promote sustainable, technology-driven agriculture with government support.
The government of Bangladesh has announced a nationwide initiative to promote a locally developed solar-powered irrigation pump, marking a significant step toward modernizing the country’s agricultural sector through sustainable, home-grown technology.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, officially inaugurated the “Soleman Solar Irrigation Pump” in the Molani area of Thakurgaon’s Raipur Union on Friday. The project, which carries the theme “Work for the country, build the nation,” seeks to reduce farmers’ reliance on costly diesel and electricity by harnessing solar energy.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Alamgir praised the innovator, Md. Soleman Ali, as a “pride of the nation.”
“This indigenous, technology-driven innovation will open new doors for our agriculture,” the minister said. “It is the need of the hour to increase the use of solar-powered systems to lower irrigation costs for farmers while establishing an environmentally friendly agricultural framework.”
A Sustainable Solution for Farmers
The innovative pump was developed by local craftsman Soleman Ali to address the rising energy costs that have long burdened rural farmers. By using solar panels to power high-capacity water pumps, the system allows irrigation throughout the day, providing a cost-effective and reliable alternative to conventional fuel-based methods.
“My primary goal was to ensure irrigation facilities for farmers at a low cost by using solar power as a substitute for electricity and diesel,” Ali said. “With government support, this technology can be expanded to various regions of the country, benefiting countless farmers.”
National Expansion Plans
During the event, Minister Alamgir inspected the operation of the solar pump and held discussions with the innovator about the scaling process. He assured attendees that the government is committed to providing the necessary technical and institutional support to expand the project nationwide.
“The current government is working to make agriculture modern, sustainable and technology-dependent,” the minister added. “By encouraging such grassroots innovations, we can make our agricultural sector more prosperous, ensuring that the benefits reach farmers directly.”
The inauguration was attended by senior government officials, including the District Commissioner of Thakurgaon, the Superintendent of Police and local representatives, reflecting strong support for integrating local solutions into Bangladesh’s national development strategy.
As the country faces global energy challenges, this initiative represents a strategic shift toward energy independence in the agricultural sector, turning local ingenuity into a cornerstone of national climate resilience.
