Solar based irrigation systems are innovative and environment-friendly solutions for the agro-based economy of Bangladesh. The program intends to provide irrigation facility to rural off-grid areas. Solar irrigation systems reduce dependency on fossil fuel and demand for electricity from national grid in irrigation seasons. The program also reduces carbon emission and at the same time saves millions in foreign currency. Moreover, the solar irrigation assists farmers by providing cheaper irrigation service compared to diesel-based pumps. Given the immense potential the program aims to install solar PV-based irrigation systems in areas where there are possibilities to produce three types of crops throughout the year, all the while staying safe from flooding, arsenic contamination and saline water.
The World Bank, IDCOL, KfW, GPOBA, JICA, USAID, ADB, and BCCRF are supporting this initiative.
