When sun can dispel smoke: Solar irrigation and climate change in Bangladesh

By Marie-Charlotte Buisson and Archisman Mitra

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Early results from the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience project implemented by the International Water Management Institute in partnership with the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) in Bangladesh indicate that solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) can meet the challenge of climate change: while it tackles climate change, it also potentially reduces poverty. Solar irrigation mitigates climate change by minimizing GHG emissions and allowing farmers to adapt to the consequences of climate change. In addition, the SIPs are resilient to climatic and economic shocks and benefit vulnerable farmers. It means a win on four fronts of climate change: mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and equity.

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Third, solar pumps are also tools that can be used by farmers to adapt to climate change and minimise the losses from climate disasters such as those the country went through last year. When cyclones or floods hit, kharif harvests are at risk, but it is equally true in cases of droughts or irregular rains. Reducing the risks for the other seasons becomes, therefore, essential for food security and poverty alleviation. The solar pumps installed in Bangladesh are designed to irrigate the water-intensive boro paddy cultivated in the dry season, but also to secure the harvests of more diversified cropping patterns.

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Ultimately, the objectives of climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, resilience to shocks and equity can converge by promoting solar irrigation where groundwater resources are renewable and not affected by arsenic contamination. Bangladesh, so far, has fallen short of the targets set in the 500 MW Solar Power Generation Plan and the Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh, but a push towards solar irrigation would help catch up and put the country on track.