Impacts of Solar-Powered Irrigation on Groundwater and Crop Yield: A Case Study of Kurram District, Pakistan
Keywords:
Solar, Power , Irrigation , Tubewell , Variation , SPISAbstract
Farmers are rapidly transitioning from traditional to solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS). A comprehensive study is needed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of SPIS. This study builds on previous research and incorporates field data collected in 2019 and 2024. In the Kurram district, crops are irrigated using both surface and groundwater resources. For this research, 54 tubewells solarized by the Directorate General of Agricultural Engineering, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were selected. Data on water table levels, discharge rates, and variations in crop yield were collected before (2019) and after (2024) the installation of SPIS. Water table declination was observed at six locations, while a rise in the water table was noted at two locations. The discharge rate of all tubewells remained consistent at approximately 5,000 gallons per hour (mph). Following the installation of SPIS, both the cropping area and yield per unit area increased significantly. The study found that farmers can recover their investment in SPIS, including costs for pumps, PV panels, inverters, and manually rotating structures, within 1.1 to 1.4 years. The government and policymakers should consider implementing policies and incentives to promote the widespread adoption of solar energy in agriculture. It is recommended that solar energy be utilized to power high-efficiency irrigation systems (HEIS), with an urgent focus on capacity building among farmers, advisors, and system installers to ensure sustainable water resource management. Furthermore, the adoption of SPIS can enhance crop yields, contributing to food security and poverty reduction.
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