Solar-powered irrigation pumps are bringing new hope to farmers in Jhenaidah by reducing dependence on diesel and grid electricity while lowering production costs.
Farmers are increasingly turning to solar irrigation systems as they provide uninterrupted daytime water supply for crops at a lower cost, helping reduce expenses and improve yields. The agriculture department has also taken initiatives to expand the use of solar-powered pumps across the district.
According to the agriculture office, 36 solar-powered irrigation pumps are currently operational in Jhenaidah Sadar, Kotchandpur and Moheshpur upazilas. Of these, three are in Sadar, one in Kotchandpur and 32 in Moheshpur.
Including small and large units, the district has around 86 solar-powered irrigation pumps, which are supplying water to 654 hectares of farmland. Plans are underway to bring more three-crop and four-crop areas under solar irrigation.
The pumps were installed under the ‘Smart’ project implemented by Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF), with funding from the World Bank and technical support from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
Farmer Zahidul Islam of Madhuhati area in Jhenaidah Sadar said diesel-run irrigation pumps were costly, while electricity-powered pumps often failed to provide continuous service due to load shedding.
“Solar-powered pumps have reduced our irrigation costs by half. We can now supply water to our fields without depending on fuel or electricity,” he said.
Farmer Shamim Hossain of Kushna area in Kotchandpur said some farmers installed the pumps collectively while others did so independently.
“Besides irrigating their own land, farmers can earn additional income by supplying water to other fields through these pumps,” he said.
Jhenaidah Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Md Kamruzzaman said the government was focusing on expanding solar-based irrigation to reduce farming costs.
“We are collecting field-level data to bring more three-crop and four-crop lands under solar irrigation. This will reduce irrigation costs, benefit farmers and ease pressure on electricity and fuel supplies,” he said.
