A Joypurhat farmer’s Tk 5 million agro project faces irrigation crisis as solar power fails to ensure reliable water supply, exposing renewable energy limits in climate-vulnerable northern Bangladesh.
A large-scale farming initiative in northern Bangladesh is facing serious irrigation challenges despite significant investment in renewable energy, highlighting the growing limitations of solar-powered agriculture in climate-vulnerable regions.
Abdul Bached Mondal, a farmer in Bhimpur field under Bagjana Union of Panchbibi upazila in Joypurhat district, invested more than Tk 450,000 (approximately USD 4,100) to install a solar power system aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity for fish farming and crop cultivation. However inconsistent power generation has severely disrupted irrigation and agricultural productivity.
Mondal established “RSB Agro Farm,” an integrated agricultural project combining fish farming and potato cultivation. Following technical guidance from local agricultural officials, he cultivated high-quality Musica variety seed potatoes on nearly 100 bighas of land, approximately 33 acres or 13 hectares, this season.
Agricultural experts note that while solar irrigation offers environmentally friendly solutions, its dependence on weather conditions poses challenges for large-scale farming. In climate-sensitive countries like Bangladesh, unpredictable rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and water scarcity are increasing pressure on irrigation systems, raising concerns about long-term food security and sustainable agricultural development.
During a recent field visit, extensive potato fields were observed alongside aquaculture ponds covering around 10 bighas, about 3.3 acres. Of these, nearly 4 bighas are used exclusively for raising fish fingerlings. Although potato plants have already been cut, harvesting has been deliberately delayed to improve seed quality.
Farm manager Monsur Mia explained that harvesting potatoes 10 to 15 days after cutting the plants allows the potato skin to become thicker and stronger, improving preservation and seed viability.
The total investment in land preparation, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labour and other farming inputs has reached nearly Tk 5 million, approximately USD 45,000. The farm expects to produce between 70 to 80 maunds of seed potatoes per bigha, equivalent to roughly 2.6 to 3 tonnes per acre, and anticipates good returns if market prices remain favourable.
Despite this promising outlook, irrigation remains a critical barrier. Mondal said solar-powered irrigation depends entirely on sunlight, resulting in irregular water supply.
“When there is sunlight, we can pump water, but irrigation stops when sunlight is unavailable. This is causing significant losses in both crop and fish production,” Mondal said.
To ensure reliable irrigation, Mondal attempted to install a deep tube well connected to the national electricity grid. However the initiative has stalled due to licensing complications and administrative boundary disputes. Despite submitting applications for irrigation approval, he claims progress has been delayed.
“I invested a large amount of money in this farm, but without adequate water supply, maintaining operations is becoming extremely difficult. Solar power only partially meets our irrigation needs,” he added, urging authorities to conduct field inspections and resolve the water supply crisis.
Local agriculture officials acknowledge the region’s growing potato production. Upazila Agriculture Officer Jasim Uddin said potato cultivation in the upazila has expanded significantly this year, covering nearly 8,000 hectares under various varieties. He added that the agriculture department continues to provide farmers with incentives, technical support and advisory services.
