Solar-powered irrigation in Narail is transforming farming by cutting fuel costs, ensuring reliable water supply and boosting productivity, offering a scalable climate-smart solution for sustainable agriculture across Bangladesh.
Farmers in Narail Sadar Upazila are benefiting from solar-powered deep tube wells for Boro paddy irrigation, reducing costs, saving energy and ensuring a reliable water supply. This climate-smart approach is transforming farming practices in the region.
With solar-powered irrigation, Narail Sadar is leading by example, showing that climate-friendly solutions can improve productivity, reduce energy use and support sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. Scaling solar irrigation across Bangladesh and similar regions could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut farmers’ costs and strengthen food security amid global energy uncertainties.
Two deep tube wells powered by solar panels were installed in Tularampur Union with support from the local agriculture office. Initially met with skepticism, the initiative is now widely appreciated by farmers across the area.
The system eliminates concerns over diesel or electricity costs, allowing farmers to access water on demand at minimal expense. Under the Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management (D.A. Part) project, the two solar pumps can lift up to 800,000 litres (approximately 211,000 gallons) of water daily over 16 hours of operation. This capacity enables irrigation of 50 to 60 bigha (approximately 16 to 20 hectares or 40 to 50 acres) of land during the Boro season with three-day intervals between watering cycles.
Officials report that the solar pumps save approximately 88 units of electricity and 24 litres of diesel per day, cutting farmers’ expenses while promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture.
The need for such renewable solutions is growing as global fuel prices rise, driven by conflicts such as the war in Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies and pushed diesel costs higher in developing countries. Farmers relying on traditional diesel pumps face rising costs and uncertainty, making solar-powered irrigation an increasingly attractive and practical solution.
Field visits confirm uninterrupted water flow during the Boro season, with lush green rice seedlings swaying across the fields. Farmers report improved soil fertility and smooth cultivation of crops such as jute, vegetables and rice seedlings thanks to the reliable water supply.
Md. Iqbal, a farmer from Chachra village, said, “With solar pumps, we can irrigate our Boro fields at low cost without worrying about diesel. While farmers elsewhere face irrigation challenges, we have no such worries.”
Shishir Mukherjee of Bamanhat village added, “Everything comes from sunlight, no electricity or fuel is needed and our crops are thriving. We hope the government can install solar pumps in every field to ease farmers’ work.”
Upazila Agriculture Officer Rokonuzzaman emphasized that the solar-powered irrigation system is a timely solution to energy shortages. Currently, farmers can irrigate 60 bigha every two to three days using the jointly managed pumps. Officials say expanding the system could further reduce production costs and benefit more farmers in the region.
This initiative demonstrates the potential of renewable energy in sustainable agriculture, offering both environmental and economic benefits while supporting rural livelihoods. Bangladesh’s use of solar irrigation reflects a growing trend across South Asia to integrate renewable energy into farming practices.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, “A people’s led just transition means moving away from fossil fuel dependence and empowering farmers with renewable solutions that reduce costs, protect livelihoods and build resilient communities.”
